Investigation of the effect of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with vestibular dysfunction

Peripheral vestibular dysfunction is a disorder in which the peripheral vestibular system is partially or completely involved. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of vestibular rehabilitation treatment on postural balance, fall risk and physical and social changes in daily life in patients with vestibular dysfunction. The study included the results of 27 patients who were diagnosed with peripheral vestibular dysfunction and underwent vestibular rehabilitation at the Otolaryngology - Audiology Unit of Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Research and Application Hospital. The vestibular rehabilitation consisted of a total of 8 sessions of 30 minutes each consisting of 4 weeks of manual therapy plus home exercises and 4 weeks of posture training with Biodex Balance System SD. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), The Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (VADL) were used before and after treatment. Fall Risk Index (DRI) and Postural Stability Index (PSI) were evaluated with Biodex Balance System SD at the beginning of the 5th week and at the end of the 8th week. As a result, there was a statistically significant decrease in the mean DHI, VAS, VADL scales and DRI and Postural Stability Indexes before and after treatment. Vestibular rehabilitation is an effective treatment for patients with vestibular dysfunction that can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms. Keywords: Vestibular dysfunction, Vestibular rehabilitation, Biodex Balance System SD.