Treating Vestibular Neuritis Symptoms with a Thyroid Hormone

Principal Investigators: Drs. Andreas Zwergal and Filipp Filippopulos

Disease: Meniere’s disease

Research Description:

Acute unilateral vestibulopathy (AUVP), also known as vestibular neuritis, is the third most frequent cause of a peripheral vestibular disorder. Symptoms include acute vertigo, nausea, vomiting and postural imbalance. While symptoms may resolve within a few weeks, AUVP can be acommon trigger for the development of secondary functional dizziness, chronic complaints and significant impairment of quality of life. In fact, a considerable number of AUVP patients suffer from long-term impairments. An early and efficient treatment of symptoms is critical for patients with AUVP, and current treatment options such as corticosteroids are not effective. Preclinical animal research has recently shown an improvement in vestibular symptoms following AUVP using thyroid hormones, and the research team will investigate the impact of the thyroid hormone L-thyroxine (L-T4) in humans. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, pilot clinical trial in 40 adult patients with AUVP will investigate the effects of adding L-T4 vs. placebo to corticosteroid treatment. The goal is an improvement of vestibular asymmetry with the addition of L-T4, leading to a better quality of life and functioning for AUVP patients.

Funding Partners: Becky and Lester Knight

CWR Funding Role: Primary