OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence surrounding the use of certain complementary supplements in otolaryngology. We specifically focussed on four commonly used supplements: spirulina, Ginkgo biloba, Vertigoheel and nutritional supplements (cod liver oil, multivitamins and pineapple enzyme). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the English and foreign language literature. INCLUSION CRITERIA: in vivo human studies. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: animal trials, in vitro studies and case reports.
The increasing interest in alternative medical practices has led to a number of controlled studies on herbal and homeopathic agents. This paper presents the results of a meta-analysis of four recent clinical trials evaluating the homeopathic preparation Vertigoheel (VH) compared with usual therapies (betahistine, Ginkgo biloba extract, dimenhydrinate) for vertigo in a total of 1388 patients. Two trials were observational studies and the other two were randomised double-blind controlled trials. The duration of treatment (6-8 weeks) and dosage were comparable in all studies.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence surrounding the use of certain complementary supplements in otolaryngology. We specifically focussed on four commonly used supplements: spirulina, Ginkgo biloba, Vertigoheel and nutritional supplements (cod liver oil, multivitamins and pineapple enzyme). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the English and foreign language literature. INCLUSION CRITERIA: in vivo human studies. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: animal trials, in vitro studies and case reports.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the evidence surrounding the use of certain complementary supplements in otolaryngology. We specifically focussed on four commonly used supplements: spirulina, Ginkgo biloba, Vertigoheel and nutritional supplements (cod liver oil, multivitamins and pineapple enzyme). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of the English and foreign language literature. INCLUSION CRITERIA: in vivo human studies. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: animal trials, in vitro studies and case reports.
We investigated 76 patients with carotid sinus syndrome followed over a time period of 12-40 months (mean 24 months). In 27 patients long-term ECG were recorded over 24 hours continuously. Carotid Doppler sonography was performed in all patients. 14 patients were studied electrophysiologically. The long-term ECG examinations in patients with carotid sinus syndrome showed a significant tendency to nocturnal bradycardia, and normal heart frequency during the day. In 41% of patients extracranial obstruction of internal carotid arteries could be demonstrated.
A non exhaustive survey of physiotherapy methods and techniques in "soft E.N.T. treatment" is briefly described. Without using "strength or brutality" which might retard the patient's recovery, the physiotherapist should focus his efforts to regain optimal functioning of the affected structure. So, physiotherapy techniques such as relaxation, bio-feedback, massage, exercise and electrotherapy, are used for a successful treatment of headache, migraine, vertigo, peripheral facial palsy, neck, cervico-facial (awkward positioning) and temporo-mandibular joint problems.
BACKGROUND: Carotid sinus hypersensitivity (CSH) has always been described in patients in sinus rhythm; we did not find reports of CSH in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF). After the observation of bilateral CSH in a patient with chronic AF admitted to our Division for syncope, we began to systematically study patients with chronic AF and neurological disturbances to evaluate carotid sinus stimulation effects upon cardiac activity and arterial blood pressure in these subjects.
