Brain Structural Abnormalities in Patients with Vertigo

Completed

• Conditions: Vertigo; MRI

• Registration Number: NCT06848712
• Lead Sponsor: University of Pecs

Brief Summary

Introduction: Dizziness is one of the most common complaints in medical practice and is associated with various underlying conditions, including neurological, otolaryngological, and psychological disorders. Preliminary imaging studies like CT, cervical spine X-rays, and carotid/vertebral artery ultrasound, aids in precise diagnosis and targeted therapeutic decisions. MRI is one of the most effective imaging modalities currently available for examining the brain.

Purpose: To identify structural brain changes linked to vertigo, explore pre-MRI diagnostic approaches, and evaluate treatment strategies.

Methods: The study included 232 patients with vertigo and 232 control subjects. MRI results were categorized, and pre-MRI examinations, symptoms, and treatments were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were conducted using chi-square and t-tests, with significance set at p\<0.05.

Detailed Description

Vertigo is a prevalent symptom with multiple underlying etiologies, including neurological, vascular, and musculoskeletal causes. Despite its high prevalence, the exact structural brain abnormalities associated with vertigo remain unclear. This observational study aims to assess brain MRI findings in patients with vertigo and compare them to a control group without vertigo symptoms. The study also evaluates pre-MRI diagnostic procedures, such as vertebral/carotid ultrasound and cervical spine X-rays, to identify potential vascular and musculoskeletal contributors to vertigo. The results may provide insights into the structural brain changes linked to vertigo and help refine diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2020-09-01
• Primary Completion: 2022-12-31
• Study Completion: 2022-12-31
• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Study First Submitted: 2025-02-11
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-02-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-22
• Study First Posted: 2025-02-27
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-27

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 464

Inclusion Criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• Reported dizziness (vertigo) as a primary symptom
• Brain MRI requested by the attending physician

Exclusion Criteria

• Prior neurological disease or disorder (other than vertigo/dizziness in the vertigo group)
• MRI contraindications (e.g., pacemaker, metal implants, claustrophobia)

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Occurrences With Specific Structural Brain Abnormalities Observed on MRI	From September 2020 to December 2022	Brain MRI findings were analyzed to compare the occurrences of structural abnormalities between vertigo patients and control participants. The most commonly assessed abnormalities included white matter lesions, lacunar infarcts, Circle of Willis variations, and sinusitis. The occurrences (number and percentage) of these findings in each group will be compared using chi-square tests.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Occurrences of associated symptoms in vertigo patients	From September 2020 to December 2022	The study evaluated the occurrences of associated symptoms, including headache, imbalance, visual disturbances, and psychological symptoms (anxiety and depression). Each symptom's occurrences (number and percentage) will be reported separately.
Occurrences of pre-MRI diagnostic procedures in vertigo patients	From September 2020 to December 2022	The study assessed the occurrences of patients with vertigo undergoing pre-MRI diagnostic procedures, including carotid/vertebral ultrasound and cervical spine X-rays. Each procedure's occurrences (number and percentage) will be reported separately.
Occurrences of post-MRI diagnoses in vertigo patients	From September 2020 to December 2022	The study analyzed the most common diagnoses after MRI, including vestibular migraine, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and vascular dizziness. Each diagnosis's occurrences (number and percentage) will be reported separately.
Occurrences of treatment strategies applied	From September 2020 to December 2022	The study evaluated the most frequent treatment strategies, including physical therapy, pharmacological treatment (e.g., betahistine), and lifestyle modifications. Each treatment's occurrences (number and percentage) will be reported separately.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Szent Margit Hospital; 🇭🇺 Budapest, Hungary