Patients with long-lasting dizziness: a follow-up after neurotological and psychotherapeutic inpatient treatment after a period of at least 1 year

Patients with long-lasting dizziness: a follow-up after neurotological and psychotherapeutic inpatient treatment after a period of at least 1 year

European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, December 2014

25519474

H. Schaaf, G. Hesse

Patients who experience chronic dizziness are considered to be difficult to treat. Persisting symptoms of vertigo can be caused by recurrent organic as well as a variety of psychogenic factors, the latter usually being part of anxiety and depression disorders. Psychotherapeutic interventions can achieve improvements, the effects, however, in general do not persist over a longer time. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of a symptom-related indoor treatment including neurotological and psychotherapeutic approaches as well as vestibular and balance rehabilitation. 23 indoor patients 16 male patients and 7 female., mean age 56.6 years (SD 12) with chronic vestibular symptoms (longer than six months), who were treated with neurotological counseling, psychotherapy, vestibular and balance rehabilitation and-if necessary-antidepressant drugs during a lengthy hospital stay [average 40 days (SD 14)], were re-examined. After a time period of at least one year (average 32 months; SD 15) they were asked to answer a questionnaire concerning post-therapeutic status of dizziness, symptoms and coping strategies as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS D). 18 of 23 patients (78%) reported a sustained reduction in their vertiginous symptoms. Four patients did not report a persistent improvement and one even got worse. Patients with a chronic form of dizziness can improve through a coordinated neurotologic and psychotherapeutic approach including vestibular and balance rehabilitation.