Dizziness study seeks volunteers

A clinical trial being conducted by researchers at the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, at Southern Cross University, could find relief for people living with recurrent dizziness and vertigo with a natural preventative. 

Recurring dizziness and vertigo can affect people of all ages and impacts over a third of people aged over 50. Dizziness and vertigo can hamper social, functional, and psychological well-being, which in turn can reduce quality of life.  

The trial is examining a herbal product which has already been assessed for safety by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). There are anecdotal reports that dizziness and vertigo can be prevented for 6-12 months after taking a two-week course of the herbal formulation. As a result of this anecdotal evidence, researchers are testing the formulation against placebo in a clinical trial now. 

Dr Janet Schloss, clinical research fellow, is the lead investigator, together with Dr Mark Shoring (principal investigator and Chinese medicine practitioner). 

The trial, funded by Australian natural products company CMOL Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd, is already underway but more participants are needed. 

“The impact that dizziness and vertigo can have on people is very significant,” Dr Schloss said. 

“These recurrent symptoms are linked with isolation, depression, reduced self-autonomy and reduced self-control. The anecdotal accounts of this products’ effectiveness at preventing dizziness and vertigo are very exciting – so we are looking forward to seeing how the formulation performs in a clinical trial.”

The 12-week trial is being conducted online and via telehealth so that it is accessible to as many Australians as possible.  

“The general public are so much more aware now of the potential benefits of natural medicines,” Dr Schloss said. 

“Previous research has shown the efficacy of particular Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations and the anecdotal accounts of the ability of this product to prevent dizziness and vertigo for 6-12 months is really exciting. If this product performs well in this clinical trial, it really could make an enormous difference to so many people.”  

More than 100 people have already completed the trial, but more participants are needed. 

Taking part in the trial has been a positive experience for many of the participants. 

Dizziness and vertigo can be very isolating conditions, and having fortnightly telehealth appointments with the supportive and empathic staff on the research team, has made a real difference to the lives of some of the participants. 

One participant said, “It (the trial) saved me in the aspect that when you are suffering alone it can affect you in many ways. Having better health and hope for better days via your (the researchers) help is very beneficial.” 

Another commented, “I had a great experience on the trial. The people I spoke to for my telehealth appointments were just lovely. I have a diagnosis of BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) and was also getting daily dizzy spells on top. I don’t know if I was on placebo or not, but I haven’t had a BPPV episode since I finished the trial.” 

Researchers are seeking generally healthy people aged 18-75 years with recurrent dizziness or vertigo, including people with Meniere’s Disease, willing to take a two-week course of a herbal supplement and have fortnightly telehealth appointments. 

For more information and to see if you’re eligible check out: https://redcap.link/DIZZYTCM  

Email: DIZZYTCM@scu.edu.au 

Website: Clinical Trials - Southern Cross University (scu.edu.au)

 

This research has been approved by Southern Cross University Human Research Ethics Committee 2024/015. 

The National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at Southern Cross University is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and innovation in naturopathic medicine and health education, research and practice. NCNM creates, promotes and advocates a strong culture of incorporating evidence-based science into healthcare education and clinical practice.