Outcome for dizzy patients in a physiotherapy practice

Ondertitel:an observational study

Background: Dizziness is a common reason for referral to physiotherapy. Additional information on clinical characteristics, treatment effect and prognostic indicators in physiotherapy practice are needed. Methods: A retrospective observational study. Based on a standardised clinical evaluation patients were labelled as having Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV) or not (no-BPPV). BPPV was treated with repositioning manoeuvres and exercises. In no-BPPV, treatment was based on additional clinical tests. Treatment was provided once per week and considered successful when the patient was free of symptoms confirmed by negative positional tests. Results: From 148 referred patients, 88 were labelled as having BPPV, 60 as no-BPPV. The symptom of a short-lasting spinning sensation provoked by head movements was highly suggestive of BPPV. On average, in BPPV treatment was completed after 2.27 ± 1.68 treatments, in no-BPPV this was after 4.91 ± 3.46 treatments. The delayed outcome was related to higher ‘age’ and ‘concomitant neck pain’ in BPPV and with higher ‘age’ only in no-BPPV. Favourable outcome was related to the feature ‘dizziness provoked by movements in the horizontal plane’ in BPPV. Conclusions: Clinical evaluation and treatment in physiotherapy practice can be an effective and safe option for patients with dizziness. Several clinical variables with prognostic values were identified.

Jaar van publicatie:2022

Trefwoorden:A1 Journal article

Toegankelijkheid:Open