Verapamil vs. Sertraline for Vestibular Migraine & Chronic Subjective Dizziness (NCT01669304) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1
Verapamil vs. Sertraline for Vestibular Migraine & Chronic Subjective Dizziness
United States32 participantsStarted 2012-08
Plain-language summary
Vestibular migraine (VM) and chronic subjective dizziness (CSD) commonly cause vertigo, unsteadiness and dizziness. Clinical investigators are studying these illnesses to understand them better. VM and CSD occur together in about 1/3 of patients. That makes it hard to diagnose them accurately and decide what treatments to use. As a result, doctors and patients may be confused about these diagnoses. The goal of this study was use two different medications to tease apart the symptoms of VM and CSD.
Patients who have VM and CSD together were given either verapamil or sertraline for 12 weeks. These medications are used to treat VM and CSD, though they are not approved for this purpose. Verapamil is believed to have stronger effects on symptoms of VM. Sertraline is believed to have stronger effects on symptoms of CSD. By comparing the responses of patients to these two medications, the researchers hoped to learn more about the key features of VM and CSD.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Neurotologic diagnoses of both vestibular migraine and chronic subjective dizziness
. All other co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions are stable, and no greater than moderate severity
. Able to complete study assessments in person and by phone
. Able to travel to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota for first and last study visits
. Willing to avoid pregnancy during study (abstinence or acceptable birth control)
Exclusion criteria
. Presence of any other active neurotologic diagnoses
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
2-week Average Rating of Severity of Headache from the Daily Symptom Diaries
Timeframe: Week 0 to Week 12
2
2-week Average Rating of Severity of Dizziness/Unsteadiness from the Daily Symptom Diaries
Timeframe: Week 0 to Week 12
3
2-week Average Rating of Sensitivity to Motion of Self from the Daily Symptom Diaries
Timeframe: Week 0 to Week 12
4
2-week Average Rating of Sensitivity to Motion in the Environment from the Daily Symptom Diaries
Timeframe: Week 0 to Week 12
5
2-week Average Rating of Difficulty of Performing Precision Visual Tasks from the Daily Symptom Diaries