Press Release Summary = Gabapentin is no more effective than a placebo in alleviating tinnitus, say researchers who investigated if Gabapentin - widely used to relieve nerve pain - would be therapeutic for tinnitus sufferers.
Press Release Body = Gabapentin is no more effective than a placebo in alleviating tinnitus, say researchers who investigated if Gabapentin - widely used to relieve nerve pain - would be therapeutic for tinnitus sufferers. During the eight-week trial, 59 participants took 900 to 3600 mg of Gabapentin daily and 56 received placebo (an inactive pill). Researchers measuring changes in tinnitus and tinnitus distress found no significant differences in tinnitus volume or tinnitus distress between patients who took Gabapentin and those who took a placebo. Tinnitus is described as the noises that some people hear \'in their ears\' or \'in their head\'. These noises can take many forms, with descriptions ranging from whistling, humming and tissue paper rustling to kettles boiling. Some people hear their noises as tunes and melodies. The common factor with all these sounds is that they do not originate from an external source. \"Our primary goal at Action for Tinnitus Research is to generate enough funds to do the necessary research in the UK to find treatments and cures. The reported failure of Gabapentin means that it is more imperative than ever that we keep searching for new treatments and cures to help tinnitus sufferers,\" said operations director, Nick Doughty. Action for Tinnitus Research is calling for a dedicated research programme in the UK to investigate drugs further, and to validate their long-term effectiveness in treating tinnitus. This concerted global approach to research will offer new hope for the millions of tinnitus sufferers worldwide. Nearly all the causes of tinnitus are benign and in many cases, tinnitus is a natural part of the ageing process. However, as decibel levels in today\'s environment rise, tinnitus is increasingly affecting younger people. Noise is not the only cause of tinnitus, but it can be a contributing factor. More research is needed to understand the causes of tinnitus. A conservative estimate is that over five million people in the UK are affected by tinnitus. For over ½ million people it has a severe effect on their quality of life. For many of these people it affects their ability to lead a normal life, and can be severely debilitating. Well known sufferers include Phil Collins, Pete Townshend, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Danny McNamara (Embrace), and Jack Straw. For more information on Action for Tinnitus Research, log on to the website at www.tinnitus-research.org, e-mail help@tinnitus-research.org or telephone 0115 925 4065 Regular e-comms Keep up to date with tinnitus news by subscribing to our regular newsletter, via our website: http://www.tinnitus-research.org/informed/
Web Site = http://www.tinnitus-research.org
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2012
