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Published on: August 30, 2019
Are thiazides effective on hypertensive vertigo? A preliminary study.
Esra Eryaman1, Gökçen Gökcan, Ergün Parmaksız
1Department of Otolaryngology, Medical Faculty of Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey. esraer@superonline.com
Summary
Thiazide treatment significantly improved subjective vertigo symptoms in hypertensive patients, as indicated by the European Evaluation of Vertigo Scale (EEVS) and Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ). Objective measurements, however, showed no significant changes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hypertension is a common condition associated with various health issues.
- Vertigo is a distressing symptom that can significantly impact quality of life.
- The link between hypertension, endolymphatic hydrops, and vertigo requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential role of endolymphatic hydrops in hypertension-related vertigo.
- To evaluate the efficacy of thiazide diuretics in managing vertigo symptoms in hypertensive individuals.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 24 vertigo patients, excluding those with peripheral/central vestibular disorders or hyperlipidemia, was studied.
- The study included a hypertension group (n=15) treated with hydrochlorothiazide and a control group (n=9) without hypertension.
- Both subjective (EEVS, VHQ) and objective (audiometry, ENG, oculomotor, caloric tests) assessments were performed at baseline and after three weeks.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients treated with hydrochlorothiazide showed statistically significant improvements in European Evaluation of Vertigo Scale (EEVS) and Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ) scores (p≤0.01).
- No significant changes were observed in quantitative measurements, such as electronystagmography (ENG), in the study group.
Conclusions:
- Thiazides effectively alleviate subjective vertigo symptoms in hypertensive patients.
- The therapeutic effect of thiazides on vertigo in this population is not supported by objective vestibular function tests.
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