Perfil clínico e qualidade de vida de pacientes com tontura atendidos em um projeto de extensão universitária em reabilitação vestibular

Abstract

Background: vestibular disorders, common in the adult population, are associated with a range of vestibular symptoms that lead to physical, functional, emotional, and even psychological repercussions, compromising quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to deepen the understanding and improve the management of this condition, considering various aspects such as vestibular symptoms, cervical alterations, and quality of life perception. Objectives: Provide a clinical profile of patients with vestibular dysfunctions treated in a vestibular rehabilitation extension project, considering symptoms, cervical changes, and quality of life. Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study, considering data from patients treated in the extension project between the years 2016 and 2022. Participants included those with a diagnosis of peripheral or central vestibular dysfunction, of both genders, aged 17 years or older. During the assessment, sociodemographic and clinical-functional information was collected. The intensity of vestibular symptoms was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), quality of life with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), cervical pain was self-reported, cervical range of motion observed by the evaluator, and the presence pain through muscle palpation. Results: A total of 67 individuals were evaluated, with a higher prevalence of vestibular symptoms in females (68.7%) and clinical diagnosis of BPPV (41.8%) and unilateral vestibular hypofunction (38.8%), with complaints of imbalance (97%), and cervical pain (65.7%), with reduced cervical range of motion in this region. Quality of life was considered severe in 29 (43.3%) participants and moderate in 27 (40.3%). Conclusion: Most individuals with dizziness presented cervical pain associated with complaints of body imbalance and a moderate to severe impact on quality of life. In this context, there is a need to include assessments and treatments targeted at the limitations in the cervical region and Vestibular Rehabilitation intervention to mitigate dizziness and related symptoms, aiming to improve the quality of life for these patients.