Flunarizine as prevention of vestibular migraine crisis: sistematic review of the literature.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Vestibular migraine is the leading cause of episodic vertigo and the second most common cause of dizziness in adults, due to its high prevalence, negative impacts on individual health, and increased public health expenditures, preventive treatment should be implemented early. This paper aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Flunarizine as a preventive for vestibular migraine crises in comparison to other drugs.   METHODS: We searched the databases for scientific articles using the terms (vestibular migraine OR migrainous vertigo) AND (Flunarizine) AND (prophylaxis). Subsequently, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed, with the inclusion of 3 randomized clinical trials. The studies were analysed by making a ROB table, analysis using the GRADE method, and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Qualitatively, the analysis showed that Flunariniza was positive for decreasing the frequency of vertigo in cases of vestibular migraine, with moderate degree of evidence, relative risk of 0.34 and confidence interval 0.15 to 0.76. The meta-analysis showed a positive result of Flunarizine as a preventive drug for the study population. No serious side effects were reported from the use of the medication, which makes it safe for use by patients. CONCLUSION: Flunarizine is a good drug for prevention of vestibular migraine.