Calcium-entry blockers in the treatment of vestibular disorders

Based upon the results of a double-blind study carried out in a series of 120 patients suffering from vertigo and objective vestibular symptoms, we made the following observations during the treatment of vestibular disorders by means of calcium-entry blockers: Subjective symptoms regress fairly well during treatment, but no better than after betahistine-dihydrochloride (BHC) or thietylperazine therapy (TP). Objective assessment of the therapeutic action of calcium antagonists on vestibular dysfunction is based on the results of the Harmonic Acceleration test, which was carried out by using a computerized rotatory chair. The most reliable parameter with respect to the objective assessment of the experimentally induced vestibular responses (VOR) is the gain. Our test results show a progressive decrease in GAIN, indicating a depressive or inhibitory effect of the calcium antagonist flunarizine upon the VOR. If we compare these results with those obtained in the betahistidine- and thiethylperazine groups, we cannot confirm the same decline in GAIN within the latter two groups. A statistical analysis demonstrates a significant difference between the F-gain on the one hand, and the BHC gain and TP gain on the other hand.