Brain Structural Abnormalities in Patients With Vertigo

NCT06848712 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IG/296-1/2025/2
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 464
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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.

Conditions

Vertigo; MRI

Keywords

vertigo; MRI; white matter lesions; Circle of Willis; sinusitis; BPPV; lifestyle modifications; betahistine

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Occurrences With Specific Structural Brain Abnormalities Observed on MRI

  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.

  From September 2020 to December 2022

Secondary Outcomes (4)

• Occurrences of associated symptoms in vertigo patients

  From September 2020 to December 2022

• Occurrences of pre-MRI diagnostic procedures in vertigo patients

  From September 2020 to December 2022

• Occurrences of post-MRI diagnoses in vertigo patients

  From September 2020 to December 2022

• Occurrences of treatment strategies applied

  From September 2020 to December 2022

Study Arms (2)

Vertigo Group

Participants in this group reported dizziness as a primary symptom and were referred for brain MRI to investigate potential structural abnormalities. Exclusion criteria included any pre-existing neurological disorders. The most common diagnoses after MRI included benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and vertebrobasilar syndrome.

Other: Observational Study - No intervention

Control Group

Participants in this group did not report dizziness or other neurological symptoms. They underwent brain MRI for other reasons but had no history of neurological disorders. This group served as a comparison to evaluate the prevalence of brain structural abnormalities in vertigo patients.

Other: Observational Study - No intervention

Interventions

Observational Study - No intervention OTHER

This is an observational study evaluating brain structural abnormalities in post-COVID headache patients. No experimental intervention is applied.

Control Group; Vertigo Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of adult patients (≥18 years) with vertigo who were referred for brain MRI to investigate potential structural abnormalities. A control group of individuals without a history of vertigo or neurological disorders was included for comparison. Exclusion criteria included prior neurological diseases, recent head trauma, and MRI contraindications.

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Pecs: lead

Study Sites (1)

Szent Margit Hospital

Budapest, 1032, Hungary

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Szephelyi K, Kora S, Orsi G, Tollar J. Structural Brain Abnormalities, Diagnostic Approaches, and Treatment Strategies in Vertigo: A Case-Control Study. Neurol Int. 2025 Sep 10;17(9):146. doi: 10.3390/neurolint17090146.

  PMID: 41002934 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Vertigo; Sinusitis

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Vestibular Diseases; Labyrinth Diseases; Ear Diseases; Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Respiratory Tract Infections; Infections; Paranasal Sinus Diseases; Nose Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases

Study Officials

• Klaudia Széphelyi

  University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hungary

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: RETROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 11, 2025
• First Posted: February 27, 2025
• Study Start: September 1, 2020
• Primary Completion: December 31, 2022
• Study Completion: December 31, 2022
• Last Updated: February 27, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

HU (1)