Effectiveness of vestibular exercise in acute vertigo

Noor Dina Hashim; Asma Abdullah; Mazita Ami; Roslenda Abdul Rahman

Abstract
Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of vestibular exercises in acute vertigo.
Methodology: 45 patients with acute vertigo were divided into 2 groups; 23 in Study Group (SG) and 22 in Control Group (CG). All patients were given tablet Betahistine 24mg twice daily as basic medical treatment and tablet Stemetil 5mg as a rescue. Those in SG also received vestibular exercise. Assessment was done using validated questionnaires, neuro-otology tests and individual diaries.
Results : Intragroup comparison of intensity of symptoms showed a significant improvement from baseline, 3-month and 6-month visit with p<0.001. While intergroup comparison showed reduction of scores in both groups and which was greater in SG at 6 months visit. An improvement of neuro-otology tests was seen in all five tests whereby the Romber test, Unterberger-Fukuda test and spontaneous nystagmus test showed earlier improvement in SG at 3-month visit than CG. The SG also recovered faster and used lesser medication. 30.4% patients in SG were asymptomatic as early as first to third week after intervention. The number of rescue medications required in each group lessened towards the end of study. By week 7, 56.3% of SG and 43.8% of CG needed no rescue medication.

Conclusion : The implementation of vestibular exercise is effective in improving symptoms of acute vertigo and the effect was maintained at longer period.

Key words: Vertigo, vestibular, postural balance

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