BACKGROUND:
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) (formerly chronic subjective
dizziness) may be treated using the habituation form of vestibular and
balance rehabilitation therapy (VBRT), but therapeutic outcomes have not
been formally investigated.
OBJECTIVE:
This pilot study gathered the first data on the efficacy of VBRT for
individuals with well-characterized PPPD alone or PPPD plus neurotologic
comorbidities (vestibular migraine or compensated vestibular deficits).
METHODS:
Twenty-six participants were surveyed by telephone an average of 27.5 months
after receiving education about PPPD and instructions for home-based VBRT
programs. Participants were queried about exercise compliance, perceived
benefits of therapy, degree of visual or motion sensitivity remaining,
disability level, and other interventions.
RESULTS:
Twenty-two of 26 participants found physical therapy consultation helpful.
Fourteen found VBRT exercises beneficial, including 8 of 12 who had PPPD
alone and 6 of 14 who had PPPD with co-morbidities. Of the 14 participants
who found VBRT helpful, 7 obtained relief of sensitivity to head/body
motion, 5 relief of sensitivity to visual stimuli, and 4 complete remission.
Comparable numbers for the 12 participants who found VBRT not helpful were 1
(head/body motion), 3 (visual stimuli), and 0 (remission).
CONCLUSIONS:
This pilot study offers the first data supporting the habituation form of
VBRT for treatment of PPPD.
