Living with a vestibular disorder during the Covid-19 pandemic: An online survey study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: People with vestibular disorders experience symptoms which put them at risk of reduced wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on vestibular symptoms, access to healthcare and daily activities amongst people living with a vestibular disorder. METHODS: An online survey was completed by 124 people in the UK with a vestibular disorder. The survey incorporated the Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form and questions regarding health status, healthcare received, daily activities and employment during Covid-19. RESULTS: The Covid-19 pandemic affected perceptions of wellbeing. 54.1% rated their health as worse now than before the pandemic. Vertigo, unsteadiness, dizziness, tinnitus, loss of concentration/memory, and headaches were the most exacerbated symptoms. Respondents reported changes to their daily activities including reduced social contact (83%) and exercise (54.3%). Some experienced healthcare delays or received a remote appointment. Remote care was perceived as convenient, but barriers included difficulty communicating, trouble concentrating and perceived unsuitability for initial appointments. Unintended benefits of the pandemic included less social pressure, avoiding busy environments, and engaging in self-care. CONCLUSION: The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are diverse. Clinical services should be mindful that Covid-19 can exacerbate vestibular and allied neuropsychiatric symptoms that require acute, multi-disciplinary intervention, but not lose sight of the potential benefit and cost saving associated with promoting self-management and delivering remote care, especially post-diagnosis.

Impact and experiences of vestibular disorders and psychological distress: Qualitative findings from patients, family members and healthcare professionals

“…Self‐management interventions were also described as an important therapeutic component. Our findings align with previous studies showing coping strategies can help patients to manage their lifestyle and gain a sense of control over their symptoms (e.g., identifying triggers, having a backup plan for unpredictable attacks) 27,70,71 . Our findings also brought another dimension to this discourse by highlighting barriers to self‐management implementation.…”

“…Our findings align with previous studies showing coping strategies can help patients to manage their lifestyle and gain a sense of control over their symptoms (e.g., identifying triggers, having a backup plan for unpredictable attacks). 27,70,71 Our findings also brought another dimension to this discourse by highlighting barriers to self-management implementation. Family members in our study thought that patients could have difficulties implementing strategies when their symptoms are severe.…”

“…Evidence suggests that although Covid-19 can induce vestibular symptoms as a consequence of the infection, 26 psychological distress following acute infection and during social distancing restrictions appears to precipitate and exacerbate vestibular symptoms, particularly lightheadedness, and nonspecific dizziness. 27,28 Thus far, mostly quantitative studies have been conducted to shed light on the impact of vestibular disorders and experiences of psychological aspects. 15,16,19,29,30 These have applied a range of selfreport questionnaires, objective cognitive assessments, and experimental paradigms to understand the prevalence and nature of functional and psychological deficits.…”

“…The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic has brought to the forefront the impact of psychological distress in vestibular disorders. Evidence suggests that although Covid‐19 can induce vestibular symptoms as a consequence of the infection, 26 psychological distress following acute infection and during social distancing restrictions appears to precipitate and exacerbate vestibular symptoms, particularly lightheadedness, and nonspecific dizziness 27,28 …”

COVID-19 and Vestibular Disorders: Is Quality of Life really affected? A narrative review

“…Assessing quality of life in patients with vestibular disorders aggravated by COVID-19 is crucial for understanding the full extent of their physical and psychosocial burden [20][21][22]. Validated tools such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Biodex Stability System and Berg Balance Scale can provide insights into the subjective experiences on mobility and disability of these individuals [23].…”