Application of clinical indicators in evaluating vestibular compensation efficacy in benign recurrent vestibular vertigo patients with short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation

Abstract

Background Short-term personalized vestibular rehabilitation (ST-PVR) can establish stable vestibular compensation. However, there is a lack of a clear definition for clinical indicators that can dynamically reflect the progress of vestibular rehabilitation (VR). Objective To explore the clinical indicators suitable for evaluating the effectiveness of ST-PVR in treating benign recurrent vertigo (BRV). Methods In total, 50 patients diagnosed with BRV were enrolled. All patients received the ST-PVR treatment program. At 2 and 4 weeks after rehabilitation, subjective scales, including the visual analogue scale (VAS), dizziness handicap inventory scale (DHI), activities‐specific balance confidence scale (ABC) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) were assessed. Objective vestibular function tests were performed. VR grading was determined. Results At 2 weeks after rehabilitation, significant enhancements were observed in VAS, DHI, ABC, GAD-7, UW, vHIT results, and VR grading scores (p < 0.05). The sensory organization test (SOT) results demonstrated statistically significant improvements at 2 weeks and 4 weeks after rehabilitation (p < 0.05). Conclusion and significance Both subjective scales and partial examination results in objective assessment can serve as indicators to dynamically monitor the compensatory process of vestibular function in patients with BRV. The VR efficacy grading score, which incorporates the above indicators, allows for quantification of the changes that occur during the vestibular rehabilitation process.