Outcome for dizzy patients in a physiotherapy practice: an observational study

Background Dizziness is a common reason for referral to physiotherapy. Additional information on clinical characteristics, treatment effect and prognostic indicators in physiotherapy practice are needed. Methods A retrospective observational study. Based on a standardised clinical evaluation patients were labelled as having Benign Paroxysmal Positioning Vertigo (BPPV) or not (no-BPPV). BPPV was treated with repositioning manoeuvres and exercises. In no-BPPV, treatment was based on additional clinical tests. Treatment was provided once per week and considered successful when the patient was free of symptoms confirmed by negative positional tests. Results From 148 referred patients, 88 were labelled as having BPPV, 60 as no-BPPV. The symptom of a short-lasting spinning sensation provoked by head movements was highly suggestive of BPPV. On average, in BPPV treatment was completed after 2.27 +/- 1.68 treatments, in no-BPPV this was after 4.91 +/- 3.46 treatments. The delayed outcome was related to higher 'age' and 'concomitant neck pain' in BPPV and with higher 'age' only in no-BPPV. Favourable outcome was related to the feature 'dizziness provoked by movements in the horizontal plane' in BPPV. Conclusions Clinical evaluation and treatment in physiotherapy practice can be an effective and safe option for patients with dizziness. Several clinical variables with prognostic values were identified. Key messages Clinical evaluation and treatment in physiotherapy practice can be part of low threshold care for dizzy patients. Despite prior medical screening, one-third of patients without signs of BPPV were sent back for further evaluation, illustrating the need for interdisciplinary collaboration. Based on the description of the dizziness symptom (vertigo rather than light-headedness), provocation of the dizziness by movements, and a short duration of the dizziness attack, and positive clinical vestibular tests, BPPV treatment could be initiated.