Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo: prevalence, incidence and impact on balance, gait and falls in the nursing home population. (R-11595)

BPPV is a benign disorder of the balance organ, localized in the inner ear, in which calcium crystals will detach and move freely in the fluid of the inner ear. During certain postural changes or head movements, these moving calcium crystals cause dizziness and balance problems. The overall objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of BPPV in elderly people living in nursing homes. In addition, we want to investigate whether there is a difference in general characteristics, physical activity and fall risk between residents with or without BPPV. Until now, the prevalence of BPPV has never been studied in the nursing home population. Nevertheless, the risk of falling is 3 times higher in residential care facilities than in the population living at home. The incidence of BPPV increases with age, despite a decrease in the reporting of the typical symptom "vertigo" (also called rotatory dizziness). The symptoms primarily mentioned by this target population are dizziness and balance problems. The potential negative consequences of BPPV are increased risk of falls, gait problems, balance problems and a sedentary lifestyle. This can lead to increased risk of fractures (and thus hospitalization), depression, decreased quality of life and increased mortality. These consequences also have a crucial economic impact on the community. Hence, prompt diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid these negative consequences. However, continuous vestibular testing is not appropriate. By detecting the specific warning signs of BPPV in the elderly, it is possible to select in which residents vestibular tests are indicated. Correctly diagnosing BPPV is necessary to carry out adequate treatment and to cure or not the condition and reduce the associated symptoms. The information obtained from this study can contribute to improving the knowledge about the prevalence of BPPV in nursing homes, as well as its influence on physical activity, mental health, and fall risk. In addition, a guideline can be developed that lists warning signs, from which a preselection can then be made in whom it is appropriate to perform a vestibular test to verify the presence of BPPV.

Keywords:benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV, fall, nursing home, vertigo

Disciplines:Geriatrics, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation