Abstract
BackgroundChronic vestibular dysfunction is a frustrating problem in the elderly and can have a tremendous impact on their life, but only a few studies are available. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an important therapeutic option for the neuro-otologist in treating patients with significant balance deficits.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the effect of vestibular rehabilitation on dizziness in elderly patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction.Materials and MethodsA total of 33 patients older than 60 years with chronic vestibular dysfunction were studied. Clinical and objective vestibular tests including videonystagmography (VNG) and dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) were carried out at their first visit, 2 weeks, and 8 weeks post-VRT. The VRT exercises were performed according to Cawthorne and Cooksey protocols.ResultsOculomotor assessments were within normal limits in all patients. Nineteen patients (57.57%) showed abnormal canal paralysis on caloric testing which at follow-up sessions; CP values were decreased remarkably after VRT exercises. We found a significant improvement between pre-VRT and post-VRT total DHI scores (P < 0.001). This improvement was most prominent in functional subscore.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that VRT is an effective therapeutic method for elderly patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction.
Highlights
Chronic vestibular dysfunction is a frustrating problem in the elderly and can have a tremendous impact on their life, but only a few studies are available
It has been demonstrated that vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a safe and effective method for most individuals with vestibular or balance disorders [9,10]
Maximum velocity of the slow-phase component of nystagmus was analyzed for canal paresis (CP) and directional preponderance (DP) indexes
Summary
Chronic vestibular dysfunction is a frustrating problem in the elderly and can have a tremendous impact on their life, but only a few studies are available. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of vestibular rehabilitation on dizziness in elderly patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 33 patients older than 60 years with chronic vestibular dysfunction were studied. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that VRT is an effective therapeutic method for elderly patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular dysfunction can lead to loss of independence, seriously affecting the quality of life [6,7] and even death in older people [8]. Considering all those impacts, clinicians should take special considerations in management of this symptom. The general goal of VRT is to reduce the vertiginous symptoms and to promote patient's functional balance, physical mobility and overall activity level [11,12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
