Abstract
BackgroundPeripheral vestibular disorders are common disorders among population with increased prevalence with age advancement, manifested by balance disorders and postural instability that negatively affect daily activities and social participation.ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of transmastoidal galvanic stimulation added to a designed vestibular rehabilitation program on recovery outcomes in Egyptian patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders.Subjects and methodsForty patients (from both sexes) diagnosed with unilateral peripheral vestibular weakness were evenly and randomly designated into two groups: study and control groups. The study group received transmastoidal galvanic stimulation, in addition to a vestibular rehabilitation program, whereas control group undergone vestibular rehabilitation program only. Treatment sessions were conducted three times weekly for four successive weeks. Assessment of vestibular canal weakness was carried out using videonystagmography, postural stability using computerized posturography, while participation in daily activities was carried out using Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL). All assessment measures were carried out pre- and post-treatment.ResultsStudy group showed improvement of post-treatment scores of canal weakness, postural stability parameters, and VADL scale in reverse to control group that showed improvement of scores of preference and VADL only. A statistically significant difference was found between both groups in post-treatment scores of canal weakness, total equilibrium composite, and vestibular component with more improvement in the study group.ConclusionAdding transmastoidal galvanic stimulation to vestibular rehabilitation exercises for unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders improves the recovery outcomes of vestibular canal weakness, equilibrium, and vestibular components of postural stability.Trial registrationClinical trials identification number (NCT04010435). Registered 7 March 2019—retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/LoginUser?ts=1&cx=-jg9qo4
Highlights
Vestibular dysfunctions can affect the overall quality of life for the affected patients
Study group showed improvement of post-treatment scores of canal weakness, postural stability parameters, and Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) scale in reverse to control group that showed improvement of scores of preference and VADL only
Measurements of postural stability parameters showed significant increase of all mean scores post-treatment in the study group (p < 0.05), while in the control group, there was significant increase in the mean Pref scores post-treatment (p < 0.05); total equilibrium composite, SOM, Vis, and Vest mean scores showed no significant difference between pre- and post-treatment values (p > 0.05)
Summary
Vestibular dysfunctions can affect the overall quality of life for the affected patients. They are disabling disorders that can affect the patient’s daily functions including social interactions/participation [1]. Despite the known disabling effects of vertigo, the exact impact on daily activities and social participation is not fully elucidated [2]. Unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders are defined as a disease or injury that affects the inner ear or higher centers that process the sensory information incorporated with controlling eye movements and postural balance. Peripheral vestibular disorders are common disorders among population with increased prevalence with age advancement, manifested by balance disorders and postural instability that negatively affect daily activities and social participation
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