Vestibular rehabilitation outcome in patients with vestibular neuronitis

Abstract

Objectives: Our study evaluates the benefits of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in patients with vestibular neuronitis and tries to identify appropriate assessment tools for monitoring the outcome. Material and methods: Fourteen patients with vestibular neuronitis were included in a prospective study conducted in the Institute of Phono-Audiology and Functional ENT Surgery Bucharest. All patients underwent a combined medical (betahistine 48 mg per day) and physical (VR exercises) treatment. The recovery was assessed through clinical examination (nystagmus, Romberg and Unterberger tests), computerized dynamic posturography and several physical performance tests (Berg Balance Scale, Short Physical Performance Battery, Performance Oriented Balance and Mobility Assessment and Dynamic Gait Index), both at first visit and 30 days after treatment. Results: After one month of VR, statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) were found in clinical aspects, computerized dynamic posturography, Berg Balance Scale, Short Physical Performance Battery and Dynamic Gait Index. There were no statistically significant differences of these tests by gender, age (</≥ 45 years old) or affected part. Time past before starting VR correlated significantly with the duration of VR (Spearman correlation coefficient, rho equal to 0.694). Conclusions: Recovery after vestibular neuronitis usually takes place during first weeks. Berg Balance Scale and Dynamic Gait Index are useful in identifying balance and gait impairments after vestibular neuronitis and their evolution. VR improves clinical aspects and performance tests and promotes compensation. Starting rehabilitation sooner shortens the necessary period of VR.

Keywords

• vestibular neuronitis
• vestibular rehabilitation
• berg balance scale
• dynamic gait index