Article

There has been an increasing focus on vestibular
rehabilitation (VR) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in recent years. However,
detailed descriptions of the content of and patient responses to VR after TBI are
limited. The purposes of this case series are (1) to describe a modified,
group-based VR intervention and (2) to examine changes in self-reported and
performance-based outcome measures. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two women and 2 men (aged
24-45 years) with mild TBI, dizziness, and balance problems participated in an
8-week intervention consisting of group sessions with guidance, individually
modified VR exercises, a home exercise program, and an exercise diary.
Self-reported and performance-based outcome measures were applied to assess the
impact of dizziness and balance problems on functions related to activity and
participation. OUTCOMES: The intervention caused no adverse effects. Three of the
4 patients reported reduced self-perceived disability because of dizziness,
diminished frequency and severity of dizziness, improved health-related quality
of life, reduced psychological distress, and improved performance-based balance.
The change scores exceeded the minimal detectable change, indicating a clinically
significant change or improvement in the direction of age-related norms. The
fourth patient did not change or improve in most outcome measures. DISCUSSION: A
modified, group-based VR intervention was safe and appeared to be viable and
beneficial when addressing dizziness and balance problems after TBI. However,
concurrent physical and psychological symptoms, other neurological deficits, and
musculoskeletal problems might influence the course of central nervous system
compensation and recovery. The present case series may be useful for tailoring VR
interventions to patients with TBI. Future randomized controlled trials are
warranted to evaluate the short- and long-term effects of VR after TBI.
CI - (c) 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS