Introduction:
Postural persistent perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic vestibular disorder consisting of unsteadiness, and non-spinning vertigo lasting for 3 months, exacerbated by upright posture, active or passive motion of self, and moving visual stimuli. Medical therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Vestibular Rehabilitation (VR) is frequently used in patients with this disorder, however, the indications for each one, still being controversial. Our goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the existing PPPD treatments and how they affected the quality of life and other factors related to the condition's progress
Methods:
A systematic review was conducted between July and September 2022, based on PRISMA guidelines. Mean age, the proportion of patients using Medical Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Vestibular Rehabilitation, Dizziness Handicap Inventory Scores and Scores associated with anxiety (HADS and HARS), depression, Safety Behavioral Inventory, Dizziness Symptoms Inventory, and Vertigo Severity Score
Results:
41 studies were reviewed and 14 of them met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Dizziness Handicap Inventory showed lower scores using VR and CBT. On the physical and functional dizziness handicap inventory using Medical Therapy, lower scores were typically observed. With the use of CBT, the Dizziness Severity Inventory and Safety Behavioral Scores decreased.
Discussion:
Targeted PPPD therapies may contribute to the patient’s symptom improvement and better quality of life. Based on the available data, healthcare providers should think about tailoring PPPD treatments.