Rehabilitation in elderly patients with dizziness and balance unsteadiness

Introduction: In elderly patients the dizziness and balance disorders may be elicited by the central nervous system dysfunction on various levels, caused be aging process and the coexisting diseases. The aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of rehabilitation in elderly patients with dizziness and balance unsteadiness. Material and methods: Out of the 84 patients over 65 years, with central vestibular impairment diagnosed in videonystagmography VNG, 31 with dizziness and balance unsteadiness, were enrolled to the study. Otolaryngological examination, Tinetti test, Time and Go test (TUG) and Functional Reach (FR) tests were conducted in all patients. They were assessed twice before and after 2 weeks of vestibular rehabilitation (VR). Training sessions took place five times a week. Results: Statistically significant improvement in total DHI and 3 subscale were observed after therapy. As many as 70% of patients presented better outcome in the gait and stability tests-in Time and Go test (TUG) an average score of 15.3 seconds, in Tinetti test an average of 22 points (low chance to fall) and in the FR test 27 cm were observed. Conclusion: In elderly patients, vestibular rehabilitation is a method that significantly improves posture and gait stability. In ageing patients with dizziness and unsteadiness clinical, functional and objective tests could confirm diagnosis and monitor VR therapy.