Online Intervention Could Reduce Chronic Dizziness

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

An internet intervention helped reduce symptoms of chronic dizziness among older adults, according to an Annals of Family Medicine study.

Nearly 300 adults aged 50 and older who had symptoms of dizziness exacerbated by head movement over 2 years were randomized to either usual care or vestibular rehabilitation via a "Balance Retraining" website. Intervention participants were assigned to receive, over 6 weeks, six internet-based vestibular rehabilitation sessions, during which they were guided in exercises like nodding and head shaking.

At 6 months, the intervention group had significant reductions in dizziness scores, compared with the control group. Intervention patients also had greater reductions in dizziness-related disability.

The authors conclude: "With the increasing Internet use being seen in older adults, our Internet-based vestibular rehabilitation intervention could enable clinicians to provide broad and rapid access to low-cost, evidence-based treatment for their patients experiencing dizziness."