Balance performance and self-perceived handicap among patients with Meniere's disease – A comparison with healthy controls

Abstract

Aims: To study balance performance and self-perceived handicap among patients with Meniere's disease. To analyse whether there were any differences in balance performance between patients with Meniere's disease and healthy subjects. Methodology: Six different balance measures and one measure of self-perceived handicap were used. Median values and min–max values were calculated as well as differences in balance measures between patients with Meniere's disease and age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Major findings: Twenty-two patients with Meniere's disease and 22 healthy controls participated in the study. Patients with Meniere's disease showed a statistically significant decrease in five out of six balance measures compared with the control group (p = 0.000–0.003). They also experienced a high degree of self-perceived handicap because of dizziness. Conclusion: Patients with Meniere's disease have poorer balance than healthy controls. They also experience a high degree of self-perceived handicap because of dizziness. These findings are useful when planning and evaluating rehabilitation for patients with Meniere's disease.