Habituation and Balance Retraining Therapy

The Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion is a common yet undermanaged and underreported condition. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to determine the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) as a treatment option for mTBI.

METHOD

This review and meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. It included randomized controlled trials and pre-VRT/post-VRT retrospective chart reviews. Records meeting the inclusion criteria were extracted from the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).

RESULTS

Eight articles met the inclusion criteria, from which 6 randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis. VRT demonstrated significant improvement in decreasing perceived dizziness at the end of the intervention program as shown by Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.62 to -0.03, P = .03, I2 = 0%). However, no significant reduction in DHI was evident after 2 months of follow-up (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: -0.23 to 0.52, P = .44, I2 = 0%). Quantitative analysis also depicted significant reduction in both Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (SMD = -0.40, 95% CI: -0.60 to -0.20, P < .0001, I2 = 0%) and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (SMD= -0.39, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.07, P = .02, I2 = 0%) following the intervention. Finally, there was no significant difference between intervention groups on Balance Error Scoring System scores (SMD = -31, 95% CI: -0.71 to 0.10, P = .14, I2 = 0%) and return to sport/function (95% CI: 0.32-30.80, P = .32, I2 = 82%).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence on the efficacy of VRT for mTBI is limited. This review and analysis provides evidence that supports the role of VRT in improving perceived symptoms following concussion. Although findings from this analysis suggest positive effects of VRT on included outcomes, the low certainty of evidence limits the conclusions drawn from this study. There is still a need for high-quality trials evaluating the benefit of VRT using a standardized approach.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022342473.

[Structured ABEV Exercises for the Treatment of vestibular dysfunction]

INTRODUCTION

In addition to medication, the standard clinical treatment for vestibular vertigo primarily includes physical therapy in the form of regular exercises. Vertidisan is a future digital health application (DiGA) for structured dizziness therapy. Its content is multimodal and consists of Adaptive Balance and Eye Movements and Visual Stimulation (ABEV) exercises, which are expected to have an anti-vertigo effect through neural learning.

METHODS

A cohort study with 104 patients with intra-individual control was conducted to examine the clinical efficacy of solely 16 ABEV exercises for the treatment of peripheral vestibulopathies which are also used digitally in the future DiGA Vertidisan. Using the short version vertigo symptom scale short form1 vertigo and related symptoms (VSS-sf1-VER) of the vertigo-specific and validated VSS rating scale (Vertigo Symptom Scale) as the primary outcome variable, the vertigo scores before therapy (time T0) were compared with the corresponding data at the end of a period of 12-16 weeks (time T1).

RESULTS

Complete datasets on T0 and T1 were available for N=104 patients. The mean VSS-sf1-V score decreased from 3.80 (median 4, SD 0.47) to 0.92 (median 1, SD 1.19) from T0 to T1 (weeks 12-16). The result is statistically significant (p=0.001) and shows a high clinical effect size.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the analysis of the dizziness score shows a statistically and clinically significant reduction in dizziness through the use of the 16 ABEV exercises.

Efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation and its facilitating and hindering factors from real-world clinical data

Background and purpose

Customized vestibular rehabilitation improved dizziness and imbalance in several randomized controlled trials. In the present study, we determined the efficacy of customized vestibular rehabilitation using real-world observational data.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, we recruited 64 patients (median age = 60, interquartile range = 48-66.3) who completed the customized vestibular rehabilitation from January to December 2022. The outcomes of rehabilitation were evaluated using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) or vestibular disorders activities of daily living scale (VADL). The factors associated with outcomes were assessed with a generalized linear model, of which covariates included patients' age, sex, duration of illness, type of vestibular disorders, initial DHI and VADL scores, exercise compliance, and initial hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) scores.

Results

After the median of 6 (4-6) weeks of rehabilitation, DHI and VADL scores significantly improved in patients with either peripheral or central vestibular disorders (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, p < 0.05). The initial DHI and VADL scores showed a positive while the sum of HADS scores showed a negative correlation with the outcome. In contrast, the age, sex, duration of illness, types of vestibular disorders, and exercise compliance did not affect the outcome.

Discussion and conclusion

Customized vestibular rehabilitation is effective for central as well as peripheral disorders, especially when the symptoms are severe and the psychological distress is mild.

[Vestibular rehabilitation for peripheral vestibular hypofunction: an interdisciplinary consensus]

The literature review presents approaches to the management of patients with vestibular disorders. The principles of organization of vestibular rehabilitation in peripheral vestibular hypofunction, indications for appointment, factors influencing its implementation, technique, methods of evaluating effectiveness are considered in detail. Attention is drawn to the fact that the selection of exercises and the duration of vestibular rehabilitation is carried out individually and depends on many factors, including the nature of vestibular deficiency and the specific characteristics of the patient. The possibilities of using additional pharmacological therapy with histamine preparations, which can accelerate the onset of vestibular compensation, are shown. It is noted that vestibular rehabilitation is a safe and effective method of treating peripheral vestibular hypofunction and should be recommended to patients of all ages with vestibular disorders leading to limited social and physical activity.

Improving self-motion perception and balance through roll tilt perceptual training

The present study aimed to determine if a vestibular perceptual learning intervention could improve roll tilt self-motion perception and balance performance. Two intervention groups (n = 10 each) performed 1,300 trials of roll tilt at either 0.5 Hz (2 s/motion) or 0.2 Hz (5 s/motion) distributed over 5 days; each intervention group was provided feedback (correct/incorrect) after each trial. Roll tilt perceptual thresholds, measured using 0.2-, 0.5-, and 1-Hz stimuli, as well as quiet stance postural sway, were measured on day 1 and day 6 of the study. The control group (n = 10) who performed no perceptual training, showed stable 0.2-Hz (+1.48%, P > 0.99), 0.5-Hz (-4.0%, P > 0.99), and 1-Hz (-17.48%, P = 0.20) roll tilt thresholds. The 0.2-Hz training group demonstrated significant improvements in both 0.2-Hz (-23.77%, P = 0.003) and 0.5-Hz (-22.2%, P = 0.03) thresholds. The 0.5-Hz training group showed a significant improvement in 0.2-Hz thresholds (-19.13%, P = 0.029), but not 0.5-Hz thresholds (-17.68%, P = 0.052). Neither training group improved significantly at the untrained 1-Hz frequency (P > 0.05). In addition to improvements in perceptual precision, the 0.5-Hz training group showed a decrease in sway when measured during "eyes open, on foam" (dz = 0.57, P = 0.032) and "eyes closed, on foam" (dz = 2.05, P < 0.001) quiet stance balance tasks. These initial data suggest that roll tilt perception can be improved with less than 5 h of training and that vestibular perceptual training may contribute to a reduction in subclinical postural instability.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Roll tilt vestibular perceptual thresholds, an assay of vestibular noise, were recently found to correlate with postural sway. We therefore hypothesized that roll tilt perceptual training would yield improvements in both perceptual precision and balance. Our data show that roll tilt perceptual thresholds and quiet stance postural sway can be significantly improved after less than 5 h of roll tilt perceptual training, supporting the hypothesis that vestibular noise contributes to increased postural sway.

Post-traumatic peripheral vestibular disorders (excluding positional vertigo) in workers following head injury

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo has typically been reported to be the most common cause of post-traumatic dizziness. There is however paucity in the literature about other peripheral vestibular disorders post-head injury. This article provides an overview of other causes of non-positional dizziness post-head trauma from our large institutional experience. The UHN WSIB Neurotology database (n = 4291) between 1998 and 2018 was retrospectively studied for those head-injured workers presenting with non-positional peripheral vestibular disorders. All subjects had a detailed neurotological history and examination and vestibular testing including video nystagmography, video head impulse testing (or a magnetic scleral search coil study), vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials, and audiometry. Imaging studies included routine brain and high-resolution temporal bone CT scans and/or brain MRI. Based on a database of 4291 head-injured workers with dizziness, 244 were diagnosed with non-positional peripheral vertigo. Recurrent vestibulopathy (RV) was the most common cause of non-positional post-traumatic vertigo. The incidence of Meniere's disease in the post-traumatic setting did not appear greater than found in the general population. The clinical spectrum pertaining to recurrent vestibulopathy, Meniere's disease, delayed endolymphatic hydrops, drop attacks, superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome, and uncompensated peripheral vestibular loss are discussed.

Vestibular Rehabilitation for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: An Updated Clinical Practice Guideline From the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association

Background:

Uncompensated vestibular hypofunction can result in symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, and/or oscillopsia, gaze and gait instability, and impaired navigation and spatial orientation; thus, may negatively impact an individual's quality of life, ability to perform activities of daily living, drive, and work. It is estimated that one-third of adults in the United States have vestibular dysfunction and the incidence increases with age. There is strong evidence supporting vestibular physical therapy for reducing symptoms, improving gaze and postural stability, and improving function in individuals with vestibular hypofunction. The purpose of this revised clinical practice guideline is to improve quality of care and outcomes for individuals with acute, subacute, and chronic unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction by providing evidence-based recommendations regarding appropriate exercises.

Methods:

These guidelines are a revision of the 2016 guidelines and involved a systematic review of the literature published since 2015 through June 2020 across 6 databases. Article types included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control series, and case series for human subjects, published in English. Sixty-seven articles were identified as relevant to this clinical practice guideline and critically appraised for level of evidence.

Results:

Based on strong evidence, clinicians should offer vestibular rehabilitation to adults with unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction who present with impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions related to the vestibular deficit. Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of harm over benefit, clinicians should not include voluntary saccadic or smooth-pursuit eye movements in isolation (ie, without head movement) to promote gaze stability. Based on moderate to strong evidence, clinicians may offer specific exercise techniques to target identified activity limitations and participation restrictions, including virtual reality or augmented sensory feedback. Based on strong evidence and in consideration of patient preference, clinicians should offer supervised vestibular rehabilitation. Based on moderate to weak evidence, clinicians may prescribe weekly clinic visits plus a home exercise program of gaze stabilization exercises consisting of a minimum of: (1) 3 times per day for a total of at least 12 minutes daily for individuals with acute/subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction; (2) 3 to 5 times per day for a total of at least 20 minutes daily for 4 to 6 weeks for individuals with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction; (3) 3 to 5 times per day for a total of 20 to 40 minutes daily for approximately 5 to 7 weeks for individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Based on moderate evidence, clinicians may prescribe static and dynamic balance exercises for a minimum of 20 minutes daily for at least 4 to 6 weeks for individuals with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction and, based on expert opinion, for a minimum of 6 to 9 weeks for individuals with bilateral vestibular hypofunction. Based on moderate evidence, clinicians may use achievement of primary goals, resolution of symptoms, normalized balance and vestibular function, or plateau in progress as reasons for stopping therapy. Based on moderate to strong evidence, clinicians may evaluate factors, including time from onset of symptoms, comorbidities, cognitive function, and use of medication that could modify rehabilitation outcomes.

Discussion:

Recent evidence supports the original recommendations from the 2016 guidelines. There is strong evidence that vestibular physical therapy provides a clear and substantial benefit to individuals with unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction.

Limitations:

The focus of the guideline was on peripheral vestibular hypofunction; thus, the recommendations of the guideline may not apply to individuals with central vestibular disorders. One criterion for study inclusion was that vestibular hypofunction was determined based on objective vestibular function tests. This guideline may not apply to individuals who report symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, and/or oscillopsia without a diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction.

Disclaimer:

These recommendations are intended as a guide to optimize rehabilitation outcomes for individuals undergoing vestibular physical therapy. The contents of this guideline were developed with support from the American Physical Therapy Association and the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy using a rigorous review process. The authors declared no conflict of interest and maintained editorial independence.

Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see the Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at: http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A369).

Effects of vestibular rehabilitation in the management of patients with and without vestibular migraine

OBJECTIVE

Vestibular Migraine (VM) is the second most common cause in patients with vertigo. Patients with VM complain about vestibular symptoms during a headache attack or during the period between attacks. Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR), an exercised based therapy to treat dizziness and balance dysfunction has been shown to be effective in vestibular diseases. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of VR for vestibular symptoms and quality of life in VM patients, and to compare the results with patients with vestibular disorders without migraine.

METHODS

Sixty (60) patients who received VR treatment were divided into two groups: vestibular migraine group (30 patients) and non-migraine vestibular dysfunction group (30 patients). All patients received VR for 18 sessions and the program was completed in 1.5 months. Pre- and post-treatment Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores, Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) scores, the frequency of dizziness and headache, and Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) scores were assessed and compared retrospectively.

RESULTS

With VR in both the vestibular migraine group and vestibular dysfunction group, DHI score, VADL score, the frequency of dizziness and headache scores significantly impaired. Post-treatment CDP results were higher than pre- treatment results for both patient groups.

CONCLUSION

With VR, a significant improvement was observed in subjective and objective balance assessment measurement. Vestibular Rehabilitation must be considered in patients who do not benefit from medical therapy or have limited benefit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III (evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization).

Vestibular Physical Therapy and Fall Risk Assessment

Vestibular physical therapy (VPT) is a specialized form of evidence-based therapy designed to alleviate primary (vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, gait instability, falls) and secondary (deconditioning, cervical muscle tension, anxiety, poor quality of life, fear of falling/fear avoidance behavior) symptoms related to vestibular disorders. This article provides an overview of VPT, highlighting various exercise modalities used to treat a variety of vestibular disorders. Patient safety and fall prevention are paramount; therefore, fall risk assessment and treatment are also addressed.

Factors Associated With Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients With Unilateral Vestibular Hypofunction: A Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with rehabilitation outcomes following vestibular rehabilitation (VR).

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 116 patients who completed at least 2 supervised sessions participated. Patient characteristics and comorbidities were recorded. Initial and discharge measures included symptom intensity, balance confidence, quality of life, percent of time symptoms interfere with life, perceived benefits of VR, gait speed, fall risk, visual acuity during head movement, and anxiety/depression. Intention-to-treat analyses were performed to determine outcomes at discharge. Bivariate correlations between independent (group characteristics and baseline measures) and dependent (discharge measures) variables were determined. Logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with whether a patient would have a normal score or meaningful change at discharge.

RESULTS

There was a large effect of VR with significant improvement for the group as a whole on each outcome measure. For each outcome measure, most patients improved. Based on preliminary logistic regression, 2 patient characteristics were associated with outcome: number of therapy visits predicted meaningful improvement in gait speed, and falls after the onset of the unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVH) predicted meaningful change in the percent of time symptoms interfered with life. Initial Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and Dynamic Gait Index scores predicted normal ABC scores at discharge, and initial ABC scores predicted recovery of Dynamic Gait Index scores. Preliminary prediction models were generated for balance confidence, impact of dizziness on life, dynamic visual acuity, gait speed, and fall risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Therapists may use these findings for patient education or to determine the need for adjunct therapy, such as counseling.

IMPACT

Not all people with UVH improve following VR, but there is little research examining why. This study looked at multiple factors and identified number of visits and falls after onset of UVH as patient characteristics associated with outcomes following VR; these findings will help therapists create better predictive models.

Efficacy and Comparison of Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises on Quality of Life in Patients with Vestibular Disorders

Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or having one's surroundings spin about them. It represents about 25% of cases of occurrences of dizziness Yardley et al. (Br J Gen Pract 48(429):1131-1135, 1998). About 40% patients have peripheral vestibular dysfunction (Neuhauser in Curr Opin Neurol 20:40-46, 2007). Quality of life (QOL) is significantly impaired by vertigo (Patatas et al. in Braz J Otorhinolaryngol 75:387-394, 2009). To study the effect and compare vestibular exercises on QOL in patients with vestibular disorders. 120 individuals with vestibular disorders like acoustic neuroma, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, vestibulopathy, ISSNHL and ototoxicity were included. Four groups adaptation exercises, habituation exercises, substitution exercises, and combined exercises were formed and 30 individuals were selected in each group randomly. Vestibular activities and participation (VAP) was administered before and after exercises to fulfill the aim. VAP Scale results revealed significant difference between pre and post treatment score in all groups, suggestive of positive effect on QOL in patients with vestibular disorders. Improvements in VAP Score between all groups were compared and significant difference was observed. Combined exercises group found to be best out of 4 exercises group.

Integrating mental and physical health assessment in a neuro-otology clinic: feasibility, acceptability, associations and prevalence of common mental health disorders

People with persistent physical symptoms are at risk of psychological symptoms, although recognition in medical settings is low. This is a retrospective observational study of 954 patients in a hospital outpatient neuro-otology clinic in order to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an electronic informatics system for collection of patient-reported outcomes, with real-time feedback to guide clinical care and describe the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms.The proportion of patients successfully completing the screen was high (70%). The decline rate was low (5%). The most common reason to decline was lack of confidence with technology. The prevalence of probable depression was 21% and for probable anxiety was 29%. Suicidal ideation was present in 5%. Anxiety and depression were highly correlated to dizziness specific outcome measures (p<0.01).Electronic screening is feasible and acceptable to patients and staff in this setting, helping to identify service needs, inform care and monitor outcomes.

Negative optokinetic afternystagmus in larval zebrafish demonstrates set-point adaptation

Motor learning is essential to maintain accurate behavioral responses. We used a larval zebrafish model to study ocular motor learning behaviors. During a sustained period of optokinetic stimulation in 5-day-old wild-type zebrafish larvae the slow-phase eye velocity decreased over time. Then interestingly, a long-lasting and robust negative optokinetic afternystagmus (OKAN) was evoked upon light extinction. The slow-phase velocity, the quick-phase frequency, and the decay time constant of the negative OKAN were dependent on the stimulus duration and the adaptation to the preceding optokinetic stimulation. Based on these results, we propose a sensory adaptation process during continued optokinetic stimulation, which, when the stimulus is removed, leads to a negative OKAN as the result of a changed retinal slip velocity set point, and thus, a sensorimotor memory. The pronounced negative OKAN in larval zebrafish not only provides a practical solution to the hitherto unsolved problems of observing negative OKAN, but also, and most importantly, can be readily applied as a powerful model for studying sensorimotor learning and memory in vertebrates.

Effects of vestibular rehabilitation, with or without betahistine, on managing residual dizziness after successful repositioning manoeuvres in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is recognised as the leading cause of peripheral vertigo in adults. The canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) can be used for effective treatment of BPPV. However, some patients experience residual dizziness (RD) even after successful CRP, resulting in a significant negative impact on their daily function and quality of life. Exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation (VR) has been proven as an effective method for managing dizziness and has been applied in patients with various vestibular disorders. However, the efficacy of VR to specifically target RD post-BPPV is unknown. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of VR, compared with betahistine or VR plus betahistine treatment, in the treatment of patients experiencing RD after successful CRP.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A randomised single-blinded controlled trial will be carried out to determine the efficacy of VR compared with betahistine or VR plus betahistine treatment in mitigating RD and improving balance function. Patients with BPPV who experience RD after successful CRP will be recruited. Participants will be randomised into one of three groups to receive VR, betahistine or VR plus betahistine. There will be 61 participants in each group. The primary outcomes will be changes in the patient's daily function as measured by the Vestibular Activities and Participation questionnaire and balance ability assessed by computerised dynamic posturography. The secondary outcomes will be dizziness-related handicap, otolith function and duration of RD symptoms. Outcome measures will be noted at baseline and at 2, 4 and 8 weeks post-randomisation. This study has the potential to reduce unnecessary anti-vertigo drug prescriptions and may lead to a general consensus regarding the use of VR as a first-line treatment for RD in patients with BPPV.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University (reference number 2017046). The study results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03624283; Pre-results.

Effects of Vestibular Rehabilitation in the Management of a Vestibular Migraine: A Review

Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) has been shown to be effective for many vestibular disorders. This review focuses on the current evidence on the effects of physical therapy in the management of vestibular symptoms in individuals with a vestibular migraine (VM). The individuals with a history of a migraine tend to have a high incidence of vestibular symptoms with some or all of their headaches. A total of six included studies investigated the effects of VR in the management of VM. The critical review form for quantitative studies was used to appraise quality assessment and risk of bias in the selected studies. Previous studies validated the use of VR in the treatment of vestibular symptoms for individuals with a VM to include improved headache and migraine-related disability in patients with a VM. From the current evidence, it is difficult to provide conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of VR to minimize vestibular symptoms in patients with VM. Therefore, more randomized controlled studies are required to make firm evidence on the effect of VR in reducing vestibular symptoms in patients with VM. The future prospective, blinded, randomized controlled studies may help to isolate possible therapeutic effects of VR and other general effects.

Unilateral Head Impulses Training in Uncompensated Vestibular Hypofunction

The aim of this paper is to report a case of a young woman with unilateral vestibular chronic failure with a poorly compensated vestibuloocular reflex during rapid head rotation. Additionally, she developed migraine symptoms during the treatment with associated chronic dizzy sensations and blurred vision. Her report of blurred vision only improved after she completed a rehabilitation program using fast head impulse rotations towards the affected side for 5 consecutive days. We discuss why we elected this form of treatment and how this method may be useful for different patients.

Vestibular Rehabilitation for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction: An Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: FROM THE AMERICAN PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATION NEUROLOGY SECTION

BACKGROUND

Uncompensated vestibular hypofunction results in postural instability, visual blurring with head movement, and subjective complaints of dizziness and/or imbalance. We sought to answer the question, "Is vestibular exercise effective at enhancing recovery of function in people with peripheral (unilateral or bilateral) vestibular hypofunction?"

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed in 5 databases published after 1985 and 5 additional sources for relevant publications were searched. Article types included meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case control series, and case series for human subjects, published in English. One hundred thirty-five articles were identified as relevant to this clinical practice guideline.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of benefit over harm, clinicians should offer vestibular rehabilitation to persons with unilateral and bilateral vestibular hypofunction with impairments and functional limitations related to the vestibular deficit. Based on strong evidence and a preponderance of harm over benefit, clinicians should not include voluntary saccadic or smooth-pursuit eye movements in isolation (ie, without head movement) as specific exercises for gaze stability. Based on moderate evidence, clinicians may offer specific exercise techniques to target identified impairments or functional limitations. Based on moderate evidence and in consideration of patient preference, clinicians may provide supervised vestibular rehabilitation. Based on expert opinion extrapolated from the evidence, clinicians may prescribe a minimum of 3 times per day for the performance of gaze stability exercises as 1 component of a home exercise program. Based on expert opinion extrapolated from the evidence (range of supervised visits: 2-38 weeks, mean = 10 weeks), clinicians may consider providing adequate supervised vestibular rehabilitation sessions for the patient to understand the goals of the program and how to manage and progress themselves independently. As a general guide, persons without significant comorbidities that affect mobility and with acute or subacute unilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week supervised sessions for 2 to 3 weeks; persons with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week sessions for 4 to 6 weeks; and persons with bilateral vestibular hypofunction may need once a week sessions for 8 to 12 weeks. In addition to supervised sessions, patients are provided a daily home exercise program.

DISCLAIMER

These recommendations are intended as a guide for physical therapists and clinicians to optimize rehabilitation outcomes for persons with peripheral vestibular hypofunction undergoing vestibular rehabilitation.Video Abstract available for more insights from the author (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A124).

An overview of vestibular rehabilitation

Data related to the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation and its evolution as an intervention are provided. Concepts and various treatment strategies are described, with explanations of why people with uncompensated peripheral and central vestibular disorders might improve with rehabilitation. Various tests and measures are described that are commonly used to examine patients and determine their level of ability to participate in their environment. Factors that affect recovery, both positively and negatively, are described in order to better prognosticate recovery. A case utilizing many of the principles discussed is included to provide insight into how to utilize vestibular rehabilitation with a person with an uncompensated peripheral vestibular loss.

Correlation between the dizziness handicap inventory and balance performance during the acute phase of unilateral vestibulopathy

PURPOSE

The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) is widely used to evaluate self-perceived handicap due to dizziness, and is known to correlate with vestibular function tests in chronic dizziness. However, whether DHI reflects subjective symptoms during the acute phase has not been studied. This study aims to investigate the correlations of subjective and objective measurements to highlight parameters that reflect the severity of dizziness during the first week of acute unilateral vestibulopathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with acute unilateral vestibulopathy were examined. Patients' subjective perceptions of dizziness were measured using the DHI, Vertigo Visual Analog Scale (VVAS), Disability Scale (DS), and Activity-Specific Balance Scale (ABC). Additionally, the oculomotor tests, Romberg and sharpened Romberg tests, functional reach test, and dynamic visual acuity tests were performed. The correlation between the DHI and other tests was evaluated.

RESULTS

DHI-total scores exhibited a moderately positive correlation with VVAS and DS, and a moderately negative correlation with ABC. However, DHI-total score did not correlate with results of the Romberg, sharpened Romberg, or functional reach tests. When compared among four groups divided according to DHI scores, VVAS and DS scores exhibited statistically significant differences, but no significant differences were detected for other test results.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that the DHI correlated significantly with self-perceived symptoms measured by VVAS and DS, but not ABC. There was no significant correlation with other balance function tests during the first week of acute vestibulopathy. The results suggest that DHI, VVAS and DS may be more useful to measure the severity of acute dizziness symptoms.

Short-term effects of the whole-body vibration on the balance and muscle strength of type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy: a quasi-randomized-controlled trial study

Background

Patients with diabetes type 2 suffer from many complications such as peripheral neuropathy (PN). PN impairs postural stability and muscle strength. Therapeutic exercise may improve functional abilities of diabetic patients but they are unwilling to participate in exercise programs. Whole Body vibration (WBV) is a new somatosensory stimulation which is easy to use and time-efficient. The effects of WBV on balance and strength of diabetic patients had not been studied; therefore the aim of this study was to assess the effects of WBV in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

It was a quasi-RCT study performed between March 2011 and February 2013. Twenty patients were randomly assigned into either a whole body vibration group, or a control group. WBV group received vibration (frequency: 30 Hz, amplitude: 2 mm) twice a week for 6 weeks.

Muscle strength, Timed Up & Go Test (TUGT) and Unilateral Stance Test and balance parameters were measured at baseline and after the intervention.

Results

WBV had significantly increased strength of tibialis anterior (P = 0.004) and quadriceps muscles (P = 0.05) after 6 weeks of training. TUGT time decreased significantly (P = 0.001) in the WBV group.

Conclusions

Application of WBV enhanced muscles strength and balance in patients with diabetes type 2-induced peripheral neuropathy. The changes may be due to muscle tuning hypothesis and altered postural control strategies.

Trial registration

IRCT201106156806N1

Vestibular assessment: a practical approach

This paper presents an evidence-based introduction to assessing and managing the dizzy patient. It is based upon a literature review highlighting current best practice and the clinical experience of the author. Dizziness is common, often chronic and largely untreated, resulting in great personal and economic loss. Serious pathological causes of dizziness may be quickly and effectively screened by a simple ocular motor examination, differentiating these from peripheral vestibular lesions. A triage, differentiating dizziness into either acute onset, intermittent episodes or continuous symptoms is proposed, along with management strategies for the commonest causes of dizziness. Vestibular suppressant medication should be restricted to the acute phase of a vestibular episode. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is the most effective treatment for continuous or chronic dizziness.

Outcomes after vestibular rehabilitation and Wii® therapy in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is an exercise-based programme designed to promote central nervous system compensation for inner ear deficit. The objective of the present study was to analyse the differences in the perception of handicap, the risk of falls, and gaze stability in patients diagnosed with chronic unilateral vestibular hypofunction before and after vestibular rehabilitation treatment with complementary Wii® therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A review was performed on the clinical histories of patients in the vestibular rehabilitation area of a university hospital between April 2009 and May 2011. The variables studied were the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Dynamic Gait Index and dynamic visual acuity. All subjects received complementary Wii® therapy.

RESULTS

There were 69 cases (41 woman and 28 men), with a median age of 64 years. The initial median Dizziness Handicap Inventory score was 40 points (range 0-84, percentile 25-75=20-59) and the final, 24 points (range 0-76, percentile 25-75=10.40), P<.0001. The initial median for the Dynamic Gait Index score was 21 points (range 8-24, percentile 25-75=17.5-2.3) and the final, 23 (range 12-24, percentile 25-75=21-23), P<.0001. The initial median for dynamic visual acuity was 2 (range 0-6, percentile 25-75=1-4) and the final, 1 (range 0-3, percentile 25-75=0-2), P<.0001.

CONCLUSION

A reduction was observed in the Dizziness Handicap Inventory Values. Values for the Dynamic Gait Index increased and dynamic visual acuity improved. All these variations were statistically significant.

Results of caloric and sensory organization testing of dynamic posturography in migrainous vertigo: comparison with Meniere's disease and vestibular neuritis

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that migrainous vertigo (MV) has a substantial vestibulo-spinal abnormality that can be uncovered by posturography. Patients with MV also showed a difficulty in using multisystem information, especially somatosensory information. Caloric and sensory organization tests (SOTs) have complementary roles in assessing vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal function, particularly for Meniere's disease (MD) and MV.

OBJECTIVES

To compare vestibular dysfunction through caloric testing and posturography in patients with MV, MD, and acute vestibular neuritis (VN).

METHODS

Caloric tests and SOTs were performed in 31 patients with MV, 23 with MD, and 37 with VN. The abnormal results in caloric test, SOT conditions, and somatosensory, visual, and vestibular ratios were analyzed.

RESULTS

Abnormal canal paresis was found in 7 patients with MV (23%), 11 with MD (48%), and 37 with VN (100%). An abnormal vestibular ratio in SOT was found in 14 patients with MV (45%), 6 with MD (26%), and 23 with VN (62%). In MV, an abnormal vestibular ratio was more common than canal paresis and an abnormal vestibular ratio was more common than in MD. An abnormal somatosensory ratio (19%) in MV was significantly more common than in VN and MD (3% and 0%). For condition 2, MV showed a significantly higher abnormal rate than VN. An abnormal visual ratio in MV was more common than in VN and MD but this was not significant.

Population epidemiological study on the prevalence of dizziness in the city of São Paulo

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Vestibular rehabilitation strategies and factors that affect the outcome

Ever since the introduction of Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, vestibular rehabilitation (VR) has been gaining popularity in the treatment of the dizzy patient. Numerous studies support the effectiveness of VR in improving balance/walking skills, eye-head coordination and the quality of life of the patient. Different rehabilitation protocols have been used to treat patients with peripheral and central vestibular disorders. Assessment of the patients' progress is based on the patients' selfperception of dizziness and their functional skills. Factors such as age, medication, time of onset of vertigo and home based VR have been evaluated on their effect on the rehabilitation's outcome. The aim of this review is to evaluate rehabilitation strategies and discuss the factors that affect the outcome.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: review of indications, mechanisms, and key exercises

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based treatment program designed to promote vestibular adaptation and substitution. The goals of VRT are 1) to enhance gaze stability, 2) to enhance postural stability, 3) to improve vertigo, and 4) to improve activities of daily living. VRT facilitates vestibular recovery mechanisms: vestibular adaptation, substitution by the other eye-movement systems, substitution by vision, somatosensory cues, other postural strategies, and habituation. The key exercises for VRT are head-eye movements with various body postures and activities, and maintaining balance with a reduced support base with various orientations of the head and trunk, while performing various upper-extremity tasks, repeating the movements provoking vertigo, and exposing patients gradually to various sensory and motor environments. VRT is indicated for any stable but poorly compensated vestibular lesion, regardless of the patient's age, the cause, and symptom duration and intensity. Vestibular suppressants, visual and somatosensory deprivation, immobilization, old age, concurrent central lesions, and long recovery from symptoms, but there is no difference in the final outcome. As long as exercises are performed several times every day, even brief periods of exercise are sufficient to facilitate vestibular recovery. Here the authors review the mechanisms and the key exercises for each of the VRT goals.

Does otolith organ dysfunction influence outcomes after a customized program of vestibular rehabilitation?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is a successful approach to the treatment of vestibular dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of otolith dysfunction on the response to VR in individuals with a peripheral vestibular disorder.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

Eighteen participants with loss of semicircular canal function only, and 29 participants with combined loss of semicircular canal and otolith organ function were recruited. All participants received a comprehensive clinical assessment before and after an 8-week customized program of VR.

RESULTS

Both groups achieved significant improvements on most measures at the end of the 8-week VR program. However, no significant differences were identified between participants with versus without otolith dysfunction with respect to change in symptom severity (P = .81), self-perceived handicap (P = .92), functional limitations (P = .93), or balance performance after VR.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Otolith dysfunction does not significantly influence the response to rehabilitation of individuals with a peripheral vestibular disorder. Vestibular rehabilitation is associated improvements in symptom severity, self-perceived handicap, and balance function in individuals with otolith dysfunction.

Vestibular rehabilitation for dizziness and balance disorders after concussion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Management of dizziness and balance dysfunction is a major challenge after concussion. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of vestibular rehabilitation in reducing dizziness and to improve gait and balance function in people after concussion.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 114 patients (67 children aged 18 years and younger [mean, 16 years; range, 8-18 years]; 47 adults older than 18 years [mean, 41 years; range, 19-73 years]) referred for vestibular rehabilitation after concussion was performed. At the time of initial evaluation and discharge, recordings were made of outcome measures of self-report (eg, dizziness severity, Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Dizziness Handicap Inventory) and gait and balance performance (eg, Dynamic Gait Index, gait speed, and the Sensory Organization Test). A mixed-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test whether there was an effect of vestibular rehabilitation therapy and age on the outcome measures.

RESULTS

The median length of time between concussion and initial evaluation was 61 days. Of the 114 patients who were referred, 84 returned for at least 1 visit. In these patients, improvements were observed in all self-report, gait, and balance performance measures at the time of discharge (P < .05). Children improved by a greater amount in dizziness severity (P = .005) and conditions 1 (eyes open, fixed support) and 2 (eyes closed, fixed support) of the Sensory Organization Test (P < .025).

DISCUSSION

Vestibular rehabilitation may reduce dizziness and improve gait and balance function after concussion. For most measures, the improvement did not depend on age, indicating that vestibular rehabilitation may equally benefit both children and adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Vestibular rehabilitation should be considered in the management of individuals post concussion who have dizziness and gait and balance dysfunction that do not resolve with rest.

The influence of otolith dysfunction on the clinical presentation of people with a peripheral vestibular disorder

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Traditional vestibular function testing has measured horizontal semicircular canal function only. Otolith function tests have recently been developed, but their clinical significance has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of otolith dysfunction on the clinical presentation of individuals with a peripheral vestibular disorder.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one subjects with loss of horizontal semicircular canal function only and 37 subjects with combined loss of horizontal semicircular canal and otolith organ function were recruited. All subjects received a comprehensive clinical assessment, including self-report questionnaires and measures of balance performance.

RESULTS

No significant differences were identified between subjects with or without otolith dysfunction with respect to symptom severity, self-perceived handicap, functional limitations, or balance performance.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Otolith dysfunction does not significantly influence the clinical presentation of individuals with a peripheral vestibular disorder. Other factors, including symptom severity, may be more influential.

Effects of whole-body vibration in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether a whole-body vibration (mechanical oscillations) in comparison to a placebo administration leads to better postural control, mobility and balance in patients with multiple sclerosis.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Outpatient clinic of a university department of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

SUBJECTS

Twelve multiple sclerosis patients with moderate disability (Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale 2.5-5) were allocated either to the intervention group or to the placebo group.

INTERVENTIONS

In the intervention group a whole-body vibration at low frequency (2.0-4.4 Hz oscillations at 3-mm amplitude) in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied. In the placebo group a Burst-transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) application on the nondominant forearm in five series of 1 min each with a 1-min break between the series was applied as well.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Posturographic assessment using the Sensory Organization Test, the Timed Get Up and Go Test and the Functional Reach Test immediately preceding the application, 15 min, one week and two weeks after the application. The statistical analysis was applied to the change score from preapplication values to values 15 min, one week and two weeks post intervention.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group the intervention group showed advantages in terms of the Sensory Organization Test and the Timed Get Up and Go Test at each time point of measurement after the application. The effects were strongest one week after the intervention, where significant differences for the change score (p = 0.041) were found for the Timed Get Up and Go Test with the mean score reducing from 9.2 s (preapplication) to 8.2 s one week after whole-body vibration and increasing from 9.5 s (preapplication) to 10.2 s one week after placebo application. The mean values of the posturographic assessment increased from 70.5 points (preapplication) to 77.5 points one week after whole body vibration and increased only from 67.2 points (preapplication) to 67.5 points one week after the placebo application. No differences were found for the Functional Reach Test.

CONCLUSION

The results of this pilot study indicated that whole-body vibration may positively influence the postural control and mobility in multiple sclerosis patients.

Treatment of phobic postural vertigo

In balance clinic practice, phobic postural vertigo is a term used to define a population with dizziness and avoidance behavior often as a consequence of a vestibular disorder. It has been described as the most common form of dizziness in middle aged patients in dizziness units. Anxiety disorders are common among patients with vestibular disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises are effective for vestibular disorders. This study compared the effect of additional cognitive-behavioral therapy for a population with phobic postural vertigo with the effect of self-administered vestibular rehabilitation exercises. 39 patients were recruited from a population referred for otoneurological investigation. Treatment effects were evaluated with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, Vertigo Symptom Scale, Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. All patients had a self treatment intervention based on education about the condition and recommendation of self exposure by vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Every second patient included was offered additional cognitive behavioral therapy. Fifteen patients with self treatment and 16 patients with cognitive- behavioral treatment completed the study. There was significantly larger effect in the group who received cognitive behavioral therapy than in the self treatment group in Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and its subscales. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has an additional effect as treatment for a population with phobic postural vertigo. A multidisciplinary approach including medical treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy and physiotherapy is suggested.

Comparison of Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises and sinusoidal support surface translations to improve balance in patients with unilateral vestibular deficit

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation by using Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises with that of instrumental rehabilitation.

DESIGN

The main study (n=32) used a pre-post rehabilitation (A-B) design; the ancillary studies used a subset of 11 patients 1 month before rehabilitation versus pre-post rehabilitation (A-A-B design) and 9 patients pre-post rehabilitation versus 1 month after (A-B-B design).

SETTING

Division of physical therapy and rehabilitation at a scientific institute in Italy.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients (Cawthorne-Cooksey, n=17; instrumental rehabilitation, n=15) with a complete or incomplete unilateral vestibular lesion due to ischemic, inflammatory, cranial nerve VIII sectioning, or unknown cause.

INTERVENTIONS

Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises or instrumental rehabilitation training consisting of standing with eyes open (EO) or closed (EC) on a platform moving, relative to the subjects, in the anteroposterior (AP) or mediolateral direction, at a sinusoidal translation frequency of 0.2 or 0.6Hz; training sessions for both interventions were twice daily, 30 minutes per session, for 5 days.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Body sway and subjective score of sway during quiet stance with EO or EC, with feet 10cm apart (FA) or together (FT); the standard deviation of the AP displacement of the malleolus, hip, and head during AP platform translations; the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI); and performance-oriented evaluation of balance and gait (according to Tinetti).

RESULTS

Both interventions improved patients' balance. Under each postural and visual condition, both groups showed reduction in body sway, and the post rehabilitation sway values approached those observed in normal subjects; improvement was significantly better for instrumental rehabilitation under FA EO, FA EC, and FT EC conditions. All patients reported a subjective feeling of increased steadiness. Sway recorded 1 month before treatment did not differ from that at the start of treatment. The follow-up evaluation showed persistence of effect. Parallel to the improved stability, a decrease in the SD of the displacement of hip and head in balancing on the movable platform was present in both groups; improvement was better in the instrumental rehabilitation group than the Cawthorne-Cooksey group under the EC condition. Balance and gait assessment improved to the same extent in both groups. Scores on the physical, functional, and emotional questions of the DHI improved significantly in both groups after treatment, but to a larger extent in the instrumental rehabilitation patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Both Cawthorne-Cooksey and instrumental rehabilitation are effective for treating balance disorders of vestibular origin. Improvement affects both control of body balance and performance of activities of daily living. The larger decrease in body sway and greater improvement of DHI after instrumental rehabilitation suggests that it is more effective than Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises in improving balance control.

Vestibular rehabilitation: useful but not universally so

OBJECTIVE

Although vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is gaining popularity, few data support its utility in improving locomotor stability, and no good predictors exist of whom will benefit most.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial of vestibular rehabilitation was conducted at a large tertiary care hospital on 124 patients (59 +/- 18 years old) with unilateral (n = 51) or bilateral (n = 73) vestibular hypofunction, of whom 86 completed a 12-week intervention. Of these 86, 27 returned for long-term (1-year) follow-up testing. The primary outcome measure was locomotor stability.

RESULTS

Group A (6 weeks of VR) significantly (P < 0.01) increased their gait velocity and stability compared with group B (6 weeks of strengthening exercise), but there was a smaller difference (P = 0.05) between groups at 12 weeks, when both had had VR; there were no group differences at 1 year. Of the 86 who completed the intervention, 52 (61%) had clear locomotor gains.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE

VR is helpful for most patients in providing locomotor stability, but further work is needed to determine the factors that prevent VR from being effective for all patients with vestibulopathy.

The effect of age on vestibular rehabilitation outcomes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the retrospective chart review was to compare vestibular rehabilitation outcomes in young versus older adults.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective matched design.

METHODS

Twenty-three persons with vestibular disorders aged 20 to 40 years were matched by gender, vestibular diagnosis, and vestibular function test results to 23 older adults aged 60 to 80 years. The patients were treated with a custom-designed physical therapy exercise program. Patients completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and the Dynamic Gait Index; number of falls; and rated the severity of their dizziness. The two-sample test, the Mann-Whitney test, and McNemar's test for correlated proportions were used to determine whether there was a difference in scores between the two age groups at the beginning and end of physical therapy.

RESULTS

During the initial evaluation, older adults reported having statistically greater space and motion discomfort and more severe symptoms on a scale of 0 to 100. Younger adults had more impaired DGI scores and a higher proportion of caloric testing abnormalities. After rehabilitation, overall improvement was seen in both the younger and older populations. There were no statistical differences between the two groups on the DHI, the DGI, reported symptoms at discharge, or number of falls. When only the complete matched-pair data were analyzed, there were no statistically significant differences between the age groups in the proportion of patients demonstrating clinical improvement.

CONCLUSION

Age does not significantly influence the beneficial effects of vestibular rehabilitation for persons with vestibular disorders.

Vestibular rehabilitation outcomes in patients with a history of migraine

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of physical therapy for patients with vestibular disorders with and without a history of migraine headaches.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Outpatient physical therapy clinic.

PATIENTS

Thirty patients with both a history of migraine and a diagnosis of vestibular/balance disorder considered unrelated to migraine were identified by retrospective chart review. Thirty patients without a history of migraine, matched retrospectively by diagnosis, vestibular function, and age (+/-5 years), were used as a comparison group.

INTERVENTIONS

Both groups were treated with a custom-designed physical therapy program for a mean of 4.1 visits over a mean of 3.3 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patients completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Dynamic Gait Index, and the Timed Up & Go Test and rated the severity of their dizziness on an analog scale of 0 to 100.

RESULTS

Significant differences were demonstrated within both groups between initial evaluation and discharge in each of the assessment measures used. Patients with a history of migraine demonstrated worse scores on all outcome measures than did the patients without a history of migraine. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups' scores before and after therapy except for the total Dizziness Handicap Inventory score at discharge (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with vestibular disorders with or without a history of migraine demonstrated improvements in both subjective and objective measures of balance after physical therapy. Patients with a history of migraine perceived a greater handicap from dizziness than did patients without a history of migraine that was greater than the difference in physical function performance measures between groups.

Spontaneous Vertigo and Headache: Endolymphatic Hydrops or Migraine?

We undertook a study to assess whether patients who had both spontaneous vertigo and headache would respond to treatment for endolymphatic hydrops rather than treatment for migraine. We also attempted to discover if there were any individual characteristics that might predict which patients with an equivocal history and symptoms would he more likely to have either of the two conditions as opposed to the other. All patients were initially treated for endolymphatic hydrops with sodium restriction and increased water intake. Response to treatment was assessed by three tools: the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, a symptom severity scale, and a disability scale. Patients who did not respond to treatment for endolymphatic hydrops were switched to treatment for migraine. At the first follow-up period, 23 patients were available for analysis by telephone survey. According to data obtained by the three assessment tools, 14 patients (60.9%) improved after initial therapy and six (26.1%) improved following subsequent migraine treatment; the remaining three patients (13.0%) did not comply with their initial treatment regimen, and they showed no improvement. Although no statistically significant conclusions can be drawn because of the small sample size, there were trends to suggest that certain demographic, clinical, and objective-testing characteristics might predict which patients are likely to have one of these two conditions as opposed to the other. We conclude that a stepwise approach to treatment, beginning with therapy for endolymphatic hydrops, is an appropriate strategy. Also, the fact that no improvement was seen among the three patients who did not comply suggests that improvement is indeed the result of treatment rather than simply a function of the passage of time.

Physical therapy outcomes for persons with bilateral vestibular loss

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to assess the efficacy of physical therapy for patients with bilateral vestibular loss.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients with a diagnosis of bilateral vestibular loss were identified by a retrospective chart review. Thirteen of the 24 patients met the inclusion criteria of having a moderate or greater loss of vestibular function bilaterally as rated by an otoneurologist based on the patient's vestibular function tests. These patients were treated with a custom-designed physical therapy program for a mean of 4.6 visits over an average period of 3.8 months. Patients completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale at initial evaluation and discharge. Patients were asked to perform the balance and gait tasks of the Dynamic Gait Index, Sensory Organization Test of computerized dynamic posturography, and the Timed "Up and Go" test at their first and last physical therapy sessions. The number of falls in the previous 4 weeks and the use of an assistive device at initial evaluation and discharge were reported. Composite score, an overall score of clinical outcome, was calculated to determine clinically significant changes in physical performance and subjective information.

RESULTS

On a population basis, statistically significant improvement was observed after physical therapy for each of the outcome measures including the composite score (P < .05). Clinically significant changes were demonstrated by 33% to 55% of the patients on the various outcome measures. No change was noted in the patients' risk of falling, their number of falls, and the use of assistive devices.

CONCLUSION

Many patients with bilateral vestibular loss benefit from an individualized vestibular physical therapy exercise program based on improved physical function and reduced self-perceived levels of handicap.

Physical therapy for migraine-related vestibulopathy and vestibular dysfunction with history of migraine

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To assess the efficacy of physical therapy for patients with a diagnosis of migraine-related vestibulopathy (MRV) or vestibular dysfunction with a history of migraine headache.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients were identified through a retrospective chart review, 14 with a diagnosis of MRV and 25 with migraine headache. The patients were treated with a custom-designed physical therapy exercise program for a mean of 4.9 visits over a mean duration of 4 months. Patients completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), reported the number of falls they had experienced in the past 4 weeks, and rated the severity of their dizziness on an analogue scale of 0 to 100 at initial evaluation and at discharge.

RESULTS

Significant differences were seen before and after therapy in each of the outcome measures used. The average decrease in DHI score was 12 points (P < .01). ABC scores increased an average of 14 points (P < .01). Subjects increased their DGI scores an average of 4 points (P < .01). The number of patients reporting more than one fall decreased by 78% at discharge. (P < .05). Baseline symptoms of dizziness decreased an average of 11 points (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MRV and migraine headache demonstrated improvement in physical performance measures and self-perceived abilities after vestibular physical therapy.

Outcome measures for assessment of treatment of the dizzy and balance disorder patient

There are a variety of measurement tools available for assessing the treatment outcomes for patients with dizziness and imbalance. Some of these tools, however, may not be appropriate or valid for the patients in question. In this article, the various outcome measures are described and evaluated in terms of their reliability, validity, and sensitivity. There is no clearly superior outcome measure at this time, and the choice of the measurement tool depends on the patient and the aims of the treatment.

Efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation

This article is a summary of the research on the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular disorders. The literature on patients with peripheral, central, combined peripheral and central disorders, and panic and anxiety disorders is reviewed. The positive outcomes of intervention are highlighted.