<i>Ginkgo biloba</i> Extract EGb 761^&#174; Improves Central Vestibular Vertigo in Patients Undergoing Vestibular Exercises: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761 ? is widely used to treat various types of vertigo. Aims: An exploratory trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of EGb 761 ? in addition to vestibular exercises in central vestibular vertigo caused by vertebro-basilar ischaemia. Subjects and Methods: In this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 40 patients were enrolled in the vertigo clinic of a neurological university hospital and treated with daily doses of 240 mg EGb 761 ? or placebo for a period of 180 days. All patients regularly performed vestibular exercises in addition. Efficacy was assessed using: a visual analogue scale for the patients to rate the overall intensity of vertigo; a numeric scale for physician-rated change; a vertigo score based on intensity, duration, and frequency of vertigo; and electronystagmography. Results: Until day 180, the mean patient-rated intensity of vertigo decreased by 46% during EGb 761 ? treatment and by 19% with placebo (p < 0.05 for between-group difference). The vertigo score decreased at a significantly greater rate in the EGb 761 ? group compared to the placebo group. Nystagmus or other eye movement disorders were present only in small subgroups of patients without sufficient statistical power to detect differences between treatment groups. Conclusions: EGb 761 ? alleviated vertigo caused by ischaemic lesions in the brainstem or cerebellum in patients undergoing vestibular exercises.