Abstract
Introduction: BPPV is a condition characterised by the displacement of the calcium crystals within the vestibular system. Whilst BPPV itself is not life-threatening, symptoms can cause complications and lead to falls, injuries, and in severe cases, head injury. The diagnosis and treatment for BPPV are manoeuvres, which in some patients especially the elderly cannot be performed adequately leading to untreated BPPV. This study aims to assess whether patients are being affected by frailty factors and comorbidities which is hindering their treatment.
Methods: This study was part of a prospective service evaluation done at Guys Hospital Balance Clinic. The research focused on collecting details from patients receiving care at the vestibular clinics, focusing on their history, current treatment, and future plans regarding BPPV.
Results: 52 patients were recruited for this study with an average age of 67.23. Out of 47 patients who had positional testing, only 33 were successful with 50% of the remaining being limited due to pain, 25% reduced neck range, 12.5% were apprehensive, 6.25% had reduced mobility and 6.25% had further contraindications. 43 patients had the PRM attempted, 8 had declined and 12 were unsuccessful. 30.77% of the patients had a mechanical restriction of reduced neck range, and a further 28.57% had pain that limited them from the PRM. 23.08% of patients had reduced mobility and 15.38% were apprehensive.
Conclusion: The average age of this sample size was 67.23 and nearly one-fourth of the patients had fallen in the last year and 16% had either minor or major Injury. In total 32.69% of patients experience frailty factors or other comorbidities which is preventing them from receiving full treatment for their BPPV. This study has shown the impact that frailty factors such as neck pain, reduced mobility, apprehension, etc can have on both positional testing and the PRM.