SCIENTISTS SUSPECT EXISTING SEIZURE, NERVE PAIN DRUG MAY ALSO TREAT TINNITUS

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SCIENTISTS SUSPECT EXISTING SEIZURE, NERVE PAIN DRUG MAY ALSO TREAT TINNITUS
14 August 2006 - Washington University in St Louis

Millions of people with severe tinnitus currently have little hope for quick relief from the unrelenting ringing or buzzing noises the disorder produces. But scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis suspect a drug already approved for seizure disorders and chronic nerve pain also can help silence the noises that plague tinnitus patients.

The team is recruiting volunteers for the first large study of the potential treatment.

"This trial is very exciting because we are studying a drug that may have direct impact on tinnitus," says principal investigator Jay F. Piccirillo, M.D., a Washington University otolaryngologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. "All other medications currently used for this condition just work on the negative effects of tinnitus, like sleep disturbance and anxiety. But if this trial is successful, it could lead to a new type of treatment option."

According to the American Tinnitus Association, more than 50 million Americans have tinnitus, about 2 million of whom are so severely affected that they cannot function properly. However, there currently is no direct pharmaceutical treatment for tinnitus approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Typically used for seizures and chronic nerve pain, gabapentin is known to have few drug interactions and to be well tolerated by most patients. Research on tinnitus suggests the condition may be similar to chronic nerve pain, so School of Medicine researchers hypothesized that gabapentin's benefits might also mitigate symptoms of tinnitus.

According to their preliminary data, they were right: Gabapentin significantly reduced the symptoms of severe tinnitus in a small group of patients. The team now is recruiting participants so they can test the drug in a larger population.

Volunteers between 18 and 70 years old whose tinnitus has interfered with their daily activities for at least six months may be eligible. Participants will be randomly assigned to take either the drug gabapentin or an inactive, placebo pill for eight weeks. The medication and physical examination are free of charge.

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About: Washington University in St Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a medium-sized, independent research university dedicated to challenging its faculty and students alike to seek new knowledge and greater understanding of an ever-changing, multicultural world. The university is counted among the world's leaders in teaching and research and draws students and faculty to St. Louis from all 50 states and more than 90 other nations. With 6,509 undergraduates and 5,579 graduate and professional students, as well as 1,384 part-time students, Washington University offers more than 90 programs and nearly 1,500 courses in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary majors.

Founded in 1853 by St. Louisans, Washington University is highly regarded for its commitment to excellence in learning. Its programs, administration, facilities, resources, and activities combine to further its mission of teaching, research, and service to society.

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