Abstract:
PURPOSE:
this study aimed to identify the influence of anti-vertigo drugs on the health-related quality of life and balance in adults and elder individuals with dizziness complaints.
METHODS:
51 individuals with dizziness complaints were enrolled at this cross-sectional study. The sample was divided into two groups according to chronic use of antivertigo drugs (medicated group, n=25 or non-medicated group, n=26). Information regarding vertigo-related symptoms, health-related quality of life (through Dizziness Handicap Inventory), dizziness intensity (measured by dizziness visual analogue scale) and postural balance (using a force platform) were assessed in all subjects recruited.
RESULTS:
a moderate intensity of dizziness was observed (Mean: 4.6 ± 2.8) as well as negative impact on health-related quality of life (Mean: 47.3 ± 22.4) at this sample. When medicated and non-medicated groups were compared, no statistically differences were observed concerning dizziness intensity (p=0.74) and health-related quality of life (p=0.79). Similar results were observed regarding balance parameters (Unpaired t test, p > 0.05). However, after including the time duration of antivertigo drugs' use as a covariable of this study, a worse balance in different balance tasks was observed at the medicated group (ANCOVA, p<0.05).
CONCLUSION:
no benefits concerning the symptoms or health-related quality of life were observed after chronic treatment with anti-vertigo drugs. On the other hand, worse balance control was observed in medicated group.
Keywords:
Dizziness; Quality of Life; Postural Balance; Medicines; Rehabilitation
