Vertiginous Symptoms and Objective Measures of Postural Balance in Elderly People with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Submitted to the Epley Maneuver

Abstract

Introduction Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common and treatable causes oferipheral vestibular vertigo in adults. Its incidence increases with age, eventually leading to disability and a decreased quality of life. Objective The research aims to assess short-term effects of Otolith Repositioning Maneuver (ORM) on dizziness symptoms, quality of life, andostural balance in elderlyeople with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Methods A quasi-experimental study, which evaluated 14 elderlyeople that underwent the Otolith Repositioning Maneuver and reevaluation after one week. The authorserformed statistical analysis by descriptive analysis of central tendency and dispersion; forre- andost-treatment conditions, the authors used the Wilcoxon test. Results All aspects of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (physical, functional, emotional, and total scores) as well as the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) decreased after therapy (p < 0.05 and = 0.001, respectively). However, more than half of the elderlyarticipants did not achieve negative Dix-Hallpike. Regarding static and dynamic balance, there were significant differences in somearameters of the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance, Limits of Stability and gait assessment measured by the Dizziness Gait Index (p < 0.05). Conclusion Results reveal clinical and functional benefits in elderlyeople with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo submitted to Otolith Repositioning Maneuver. However, most of thearticipants did not overcome Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and not all aspects ofostural balance improved. Therefore, a longer follow-uperiod and a multidisciplinary team are required to establish comprehensive care for elderlyatients with dizziness complaints.