Balance ability in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Area of Science:

• Vestibular Disorders
• Neurology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness.
• Balance is crucial for daily activities and fall prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the static and dynamic balance abilities in patients diagnosed with unilateral posterior semicircular canal BPPV.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-three BPPV patients underwent static balance tests (stance on firm/foam, single leg stance) and a dynamic tandem walk test.
• Balance measures were compared between BPPV patients and age-matched healthy adults under various visual and proprioceptive conditions.

Main Results:

• BPPV patients showed significantly greater sway velocity on foam surface with eyes closed.
• Impaired balance was also observed in single leg stance with eyes closed and during the tandem walk test.

Conclusions:

• Patients with BPPV have compromised static and dynamic balance, particularly when visual and proprioceptive cues are limited.
• Balance retraining exercises could be a valuable addition to canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV treatment.