Outcome for dizzy patients in a physiotherapy practice: an observational study

Area of Science:

• Vestibular rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Neurology

Background:

• Dizziness is a frequent reason for physiotherapy referrals, necessitating more data on clinical characteristics, treatment efficacy, and prognostic factors.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing patient care and outcomes in physiotherapy settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical characteristics, treatment effectiveness, and prognostic indicators for dizziness in physiotherapy practice.
• To differentiate between Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV) and other causes of dizziness for targeted treatment.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study involving 148 referred patients.
• Patients were classified as having BPPV or no-BPPV based on standardized clinical evaluation.
• BPPV was treated with repositioning maneuvers and exercises; no-BPPV treatment was guided by additional clinical tests.

Main Results:

• Of 148 patients, 88 had BPPV and 60 had no-BPPV. Short-lasting spinning sensations with head movements strongly suggested BPPV.
• Treatment completion averaged 2.27 (±1.68) sessions for BPPV and 4.91 (±3.46) for no-BPPV.
• Delayed recovery was linked to older age and neck pain in BPPV, and older age in no-BPPV. Favorable outcomes in BPPV correlated with dizziness provoked by horizontal plane movements.

Conclusions:

• Clinical evaluation and physiotherapy treatment are effective and safe for dizziness, with identified prognostic variables.
• Physiotherapy can serve as a low-threshold care option for dizzy patients, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Specific symptoms (vertigo, movement provocation, short duration) and positive vestibular tests support initiating BPPV treatment.