P159. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for the treatment of Phobic Postural Vertigo: A pilot study

Abstract

Phobic Postural Vertigo (PPV) is a disabling disease with explicit psychosomatic aspects and comorbid depressive and anxiety disorder (Lahmann et al., in press; Ferreira et al., 2010). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proven to improve depressive symptoms (Mondino et al., 2014; Shiozawa et al., 2014). In this small pilot trial, 8 patients were treated with tDCS (2mA, 20min, anode: F3, cathode: FP2) over five days. Follow-up measures were performed after 1, 2, and 4weeks. tDCS was well tolerated and no adverse effects occurred. Mean score of Vertigo Symptom Scale at baseline was 59±26, mean age was 45±12years. Mean Beck Depression Inventory was 15 points at baseline, mean HADS 16 points, Dizziness Handicap Inventory mean sum score was 48 at baseline. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory showed significant improvement over time course ( p =0.0002–0.007, t -test, two-tailed, Bonferroni-corrected to level of significance p ⩽0.01) and a moderate to high correlation over time course ( r =0.469–0.858, Pearson), whereas Beck Depression Inventory showed no changes over time course (Figs. 1 and 2). Age was not correlated to clinical improvement. Dizziness at baseline was not correlated to depression ratings. Although this small open study needs confirmation with objective rating instruments such as gait control (Schniepp et al., 2014; Schniepp et al., xxxx), tDCS seems to be a promising tool for the improvement of depression and anxiety as well as vertigo in PPV patients.