Patients with long-lasting dizziness: a follow-up after neurotological and psychotherapeutic inpatient treatment after a period of at least 1 year

Patients who experience chronic dizziness are considered to be difficult to treat. Persisting symptoms of vertigo can be caused by recurrent organic as well as a variety of psychogenic factors, the latter usually being part of anxiety and depression disorders. Psychotherapeutic interventions can achieve improvements, the effects, however, in general do not persist over a longer time. The purpose of this study is to investigate the long-term effects of a symptom-related indoor treatment including neurotological and psychotherapeutic approaches as well as vestibular and balance rehabilitation. 23 indoor patients 16 male patients and 7 female., mean age 56.6 years (SD 12) with chronic vestibular symptoms (longer than six months), who were treated with neurotological counseling, psychotherapy, vestibular and balance rehabilitation and—if necessary—antidepressant drugs during a lengthy hospital stay [average 40 days (SD 14)], were re-examined. After a time period of at least one year (average 32 months; SD 15) they were asked to answer a questionnaire concerning post-therapeutic status of dizziness, symptoms and coping strategies as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS D). 18 of 23 patients (78%) reported a sustained reduction in their vertiginous symptoms. Four patients did not report a persistent improvement and one even got worse. Patients with a chronic form of dizziness can improve through a coordinated neurotologic and psychotherapeutic approach including vestibular and balance rehabilitation.