Electroconvulsive Therapy for Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Vestibular Science

Background:

• Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a functional vestibular disorder with limited treatment options.
• Neurostimulation therapies show mixed results for PPPD management.
• Effective treatment for severe PPPD, especially when co-occurring with depression and anxiety, is crucial.

Observation:

• A case report details electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a middle-aged woman with severe PPPD, peripartum depression, and suicidal ideation.
• The patient underwent 10 acute bifrontal ECT treatments after other antidepressant trials failed.
• The patient provided voluntary consent for ECT during her admission.

Findings:

• Following ECT, the patient experienced substantial improvement in PPPD symptoms.
• Depressive and anxiety symptoms also significantly decreased post-ECT.
• Overall quality of life improved considerably for the patient.

Implications:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) shows potential as a novel treatment for persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD).
• This case suggests neurostimulation, specifically ECT, may be a viable option for severe PPPD.
• Further research is warranted to explore the efficacy and mechanisms of neurostimulation in PPPD treatment.