Publication:

A clinical study on role of caroverine in the management of tinnitus

Background Tinnitus is a perception of sound in the absence of sound stimulation and it continues to be a significant and costly health problem without a uniformly accepted treatment. The signals between the inner hair cells and the cochlear nerve fibres are most likely to be transmitted by glutamate. Hence, present study was undertaken to assess the role of caroverine which is a glutamate receptor antagonist in the management of sensory neural tinnitus.

Methods The present study was conducted among 50 adult patient with sensory neural tinnitus divided into two groups with 25 patients in each group. In group 1 caroverine 20 mg twice daily for a period of 90 days was administered and in group 2 placebos was given. The effect of caroverine and placebo on subjective relief and objective improvement was evaluated by using THI (Tinnitus Handicap, Inventory) scoring, Tinnitus frequency matching before and after the administration of caroverine and placebo.

Results In Group I reduction in tinnitus was seen in 16 patients (64%) in 90 days. In group II (placebo group) improvement was seen in 20% of the patient. Significant difference with respect to treatment was noted. In group 1, 8% of the patient showed complete relief from the tinnitus. 44% of the patient showed improvement below 50% whereas 12% of the patient showed improvement more than 50%.

Conclusions Carvoverine had shown a statistically significant improvement in tinnitus management.