American Society of Hirudotherapy

Hirudotherapy in the treatment of peripheral cochleovestibular disorders of vascular origin

Research article published in Vestnik otorinolaringologii (2009)

Last Updated: November 1, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Observational studyClinical LiteratureMorozova S, Aksenova O · Vestnik otorinolaringologii, 2009

Abstract

Basic therapy of peripheral cochleovestibular disorders of vascular origin consists of the rational combination of medicamentous and non-medicamentous treatments that collectively ensure positive clinical results. The use of hirudotherapy for the management of peripheral cochleovestibular disorders resulted in the substantial decrease of ear noise and the maintenance of the tendency toward further improvement of cochlear and vestibular functions.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeComparative StudyJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAdultAgedAudiometry, Evoked ResponseBrachial ArteryCerebral AngiographyCochlear DiseasesDiagnosis, DifferentialFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHumansLeechingMaleMiddle AgedPeripheral Vascular DiseasesTreatment OutcomeUltrasonography, Doppler, DuplexVestibular DiseasesVestibular Function TestsYoung Adult

Summary

In patients with peripheral cochleovestibular disorders of vascular origin, hirudotherapy produced a substantial decrease in ear noise and maintained a tendency toward further improvement of cochlear and vestibular functions.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study examined the use of hirudotherapy for the management of peripheral cochleovestibular disorders of vascular origin, reporting that leech therapy produced a substantial decrease in ear noise and supported a tendency toward further improvement of cochlear and vestibular functions. It investigates leeching as a non-medicamentous intervention for vascular-related inner ear pathology — extending the clinical application of medicinal leeching into otological contexts. However, the abstract provides minimal methodological and quantitative detail regarding treatment protocol, patient population, or outcome measurement, and the reported clinical results should therefore be interpreted with caution given the limited information available.

Citation

Reference (Vancouver style)

Morozova SV, Aksenova OV. [Hirudotherapy in the treatment of peripheral cochleovestibular disorders of vascular origin]. Vestn Otorinolaringol. 2009;(4):51-53. PMID: 19738593

Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.

PubMed

Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: November 1, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.