Brain Structural Abnormalities in Patients with Vertigo

University of Pecs

Status: Completed

Conditions: MRI; Vertigo

Treatments: Other: Observational Study - No intervention

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06848712

IG/296-1/2025/2

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 464 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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)

Trial design

464 participants in 2 patient groups

Vertigo Group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: Observational Study - No intervention

Control Group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Other: Observational Study - No intervention