Treatment of vertigo and postural instability using visual illusions

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vestibular Rehabilitation
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Medication-induced ototoxicity can cause severe dizziness, vertigo, and postural instability.
• Currently, no definitive 'gold standard' treatment exists for ototoxicity.
• Gentamicin toxicity is a known cause of bilateral vestibular loss.

Observation:

• A 79-year-old male experienced dizziness, gait difficulties, and increased fall risk due to gentamicin toxicity.
• Physical examination confirmed bilateral loss of vestibular function.
• The patient had undergone surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis.

Findings:

• The patient participated in a motion-based virtual reality (VR) rehabilitation protocol.
• Significant improvement was observed following the VR intervention.
• The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score reduced by 50%.

Implications:

• VR-enhanced rehabilitation shows promise for treating peripheral vestibular disorders.
• Computer-aided programs may advance gait and posture training.
• This approach offers a potential new avenue for managing ototoxicity symptoms.