Residual Dizziness in Elderly Patients After Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Brandt-Daroff (BD) exercise and shopping exercise (SE) on the resolution of residual dizziness (RD) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) following a successful modified Epley canalith repositioning maneuver (CRP). Methods: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial included patients with posterior semicircular canal type of BPPV. Following the modified Epley maneuver, patients that experienced RD were randomly assigned to 3 groups: (i) BD, (ii) SE, and (iii) control groups. Primary outcomes were quantified using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Results: Following CRP, 240 (63%) participants experienced RD. All these patients were followed up weekly for RD. After the resolution of RD, patients were followed up monthly for recurrence. Mean time to recovery was 16.4 +/- 10 (range, 5-49) days in the BD group, 11.5 +/- 4.6 (range, 6-32) days in the SE group, and 23.4 +/- 16.8 (range, 6-89) days in the control group. The SE group recovered significantly faster than the BD and control groups (p < 0.001). Baseline emotional DHI (E-DHI) scores were significantly correlated with the duration of pre-CRP symptoms (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis indicated that patients with obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) recovered later than patients without these comorbidities. Conclusion: We found that RD improved significantly in the SE group compared to the BD and control groups. Additionally, a significant relationship was established between RD and high anxiety levels and DM, and obesity had a negative impact on the resolution of RD.