Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in older adults: treatment efficacy and the impact on balance, inactivity and frailty. (R-11568)

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a non-malignant dizziness triggered by head movements. The impact of BPPV on activity level and frailty has not been studied before, but it can be assumed that gait velocity will be impaired and physical activity decreased as a result of dizziness. Consequently, patients may suffer from frailty. Further, vHIT (video head impulse test), a non-invasive test to test the semi-circular canal function, is often abnormal in elderly with BPPV. This abnormal vHIT might be related to decreased treatment efficacy in patients with BPPV. In a first study, the effect of the gold standard treatment for BPPV (particle repositioning maneuver) on balance, frailty and inactivity will be examined. Also, the predictive validity of the vHIT (for detection of vestibular hypofunction) in older adults with BPPV and the cumulative effect of vestibular rehabilitation for BPPV patients with a coexisting vestibular disorder will be investigated. Research on the impact of BPPV and treatment efficacy on balance problems and fall risk is lacking, especially in older adults who are already at risk for falling. Therefore, a second study will investigate the prevalence of BPPV in elderly fallers and the difference between fallers with and without BPPV, to improve the diagnostic process of BPPV in older adults.

Keywords:balance, Benign Paroxysmal positioning vertigo, frailty, older adults, physical activity, vestibular disorders

Disciplines:Biogerontology, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Audiology, Otology

Project type:Collaboration project