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Treatment of vertigo and postural instability using visual illusions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 October 2014

G van Kerckhoven ,
A Mert  and
J A De Ru
G van Kerckhoven*
Affiliation:
University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands
A Mert
Affiliation:
Military Rehabilitation Centre Aardenburg, Doorn, The Netherlands
J A De Ru
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Central Military Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands
*
Address for correspondence: Mr G van Kerckhoven, KNO CMH. Lundlaan 1, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Ototoxicity caused by medication can lead to debilitating symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo and postural instability. There is no current ‘gold standard’ treatment available.

Case report:

A 79-year-old male, with bilateral loss of vestibular function caused by gentamicin toxicity after surgery for prosthetic valve endocarditis, complained of dizziness, difficulty in walking and an increased risk of falling. Physical examination showed a positive head thrust test suggesting bilateral loss of vestibular function.

Results:

The patient underwent a specific motion-based virtual reality enhanced protocol for peripheral vestibular disease. He showed a great improvement, with a 50 per cent reduction in his Dizziness Handicap Inventory score.

Conclusion:

Computer-aided rehabilitation programmes might represent an important advance in gait and posture training.

Keywords

Virtual Reality Exposure TherapyHead Impulse TestVestibular DiseasesPostural Balance
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 128 , Issue 11 , November 2014 , pp. 1005 - 1007
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2014 

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