Elżbieta Czarnecka, Bogusława Pietrzak

Betahistyna w terapii zawrotów głowy
2009-11-04

Betahistine in vertigo treatment. Vertigo and tinnitus are often symptoms of different psychosomatic dysfunctions. They are causedby asymmetrical signals from peripheral to central vestibular system and asymmetry of the function of the central nervous system. The treatment of vertigo is basically symptomatic because of difficulties in determination of the etiology of the disease. There are many neurotransmitters involved in the signal transmission in the peripheral and the central vestibular system (glutamate, acetylcholine, --aminobutiric acid, histamine). The mechanism of action of drugs in vertigo is based on the influence on the functioning of these neuromediators. Betahistine (Betaserc, Histimerck, Microser, Verhist) is an analogue of L-histidine, the immediate precursor of histamine with both central and peripheral effects. Betahistine is a H₁-receptor agonist and antagonist of the presynaptic H₃-receptors and enhances the release of histamine. The drug cause vasodilation and improve microcirculation enhancing labyrinth blood flow. Betahistine causes depolarization of the vestibular neurons by acting on H₁-receptor which impairs asymmetric functioning of the neurons. The drug can regulate alertness and increase sensorimotor activity and accelerate/improve compensation. Betahistine is an effective drug with minimal side effects and could be useful in chronic vertigo treatment.