Quality of life in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness: results from a survey in hispanic patients

Abstract

Objective: Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common long-lasting cause of dizziness and/or vertigo. This condition is usually triggered by central, peripheral, or vascular injuries and may lead to physical disability and altered development of daily activities. Herein, we performed a cross-sectional in three clinical centers in Latin America using the EQ-5D questionnaire to study the quality of life (QoL) of patients diagnosed with PPPD. Method: Cross-sectional study in two centers in Mexico and one center in Colombia. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using GraphPad 9.0 Results: 50 patients diagnosed with PPPD were included. Patients indicated that symptoms worsened while standing up (n=26), when walking (n=35) and during ground transportation. Specific events such as visual movements (n=26), walking (n=31), during home stay (n=16) and stay in open and public places (n=13) are associated with discomfort in patients with PPPD. 50% of patients indicated some problems in mobility, 28% some problems on self-care, 34% some problems while performing usual activities and only 10% moderate pain during the PPPD episodes. At least 50% of patients indicated that they were moderately anxious or depressed. Conclusions: Mobility, anxiety, depression, and social issues were reported in patients with PPPD. Other problems detected in this survey were fear of falling and fear of having an injury. Further multidisciplinary approach must be done for their treatment.