Balance and gait performance after particle repositioning maneuver in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine subjective complaints, recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), balance and gait with a particle repositioning maneuver (PRM), and to investigate the effects of Brandt Daroff (BD) exercises and comorbid factors as migraine on recovery in BPPV patients. Methods: Fifty-seven patients were treated with a PRM for posterior canal BPPV. The perception of vertigo was estimated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), gait with Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), balance with the modified Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (mCTSIB). If the Dix-Hallpike test was still positive one week after the PRM, the maneuver was repeated. When remission was confirmed, patients were called back after one month to repeat all tests. If the patient suffered only from residual dizziness after one week, BD exercises were recommended for one month. Results: The VAS scores for all patients improved significantly one month after a PRM (p<0.001). The abnormal balance on foam stance before a PRM improved significantly (p<0.05). The DGI scores improved without a statistical difference (p>0.05). It was found that patients with migraine had complaints of more severe imbalance. Conclusion: Subjective complaints, balance and gait abilities improved in all patients after PRM. BPPV patients with migraine have a greater risk of recurrence and lower improvement in balance and gait ability after PRM. BD exercises did not prevent recurrence and residual dizziness.