Peripheral vertigo in clinial practice

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The aim of the study – to evaluate the most frequent reasons of peripheral vertigo, its treatment effect, needs for health care services and working abilities for the patients, first admitted to the otoneurologist’s consultation. METHODS Adult patients with Meniere’s disease, BPPV, “other known reason of peripheral vertigo” and “unknown reason of peripheral vertigo” first diagnosed by otoneurologist were included in the study. Age, gender, accompanying illnesses, vertigo treatment, changes in health care needs, working abilities, general impression of the otoneurologist were evaluated during 2 visits – the first one and the second one 6 months later. RESULTS 100 subjects were evaluated according standardized methodology. Group of “other known reason of peripheral vertigo” was the greatest - 46%, BPPV - 21%, “unknown reason of peripheral vertigo” - 19%, Meniere’s disease –14%. Statistically significant vertigo treatment effect was due to vestibular rehabilitation and usage of Betahistine. Statistically significant decrease of out-days, needs for health care days after 6 months of treatment was found in the groups of “other known reason of peripheral vertigo” and “unknown reason of peripheral vertigo”. Effect had statistically significant relationship with vestibular rehabilitation. CONCLUSSIONS Vestibular rehabilitation and usage of Betahistine was found to be an effective treatment of peripheral vertigo.