Relation Between Frailty and 1-Year Outcomes After Implantation of a Left Ventricular Assist Device.

Frailty has been associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure and those who underwent cardiac surgery. We aimed to study the effect of frailty on cardiovascular outcomes and the reversibility of frailty after the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. A total of 51 consecutive patients (44 men; aged 54 ± 10 years) scheduled to undergo LVAD implantation were assessed for frailty (Fried's phenotype, frail ≥3/5), cognitive function (using Mini-Cog), and depression (utilizing Patient Health Questionnaire-9) before the surgery and 3 months afterward. Patients were observed for mortality and adverse events [all-cause readmission, bleeding, renal dysfunction, and ventricular fibrillation (VF)/sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT)] for 12 months. More than half of the patients (54%) were designated as frail. Although there was no statistical difference in mortality among frail and nonfrail patients, frail ones were more likely to have a prolonged length of stay [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 14.9, 95% confidence interval 1.6 to 132.5, p = 0.01]. At the 3-month reassessment after operation, frailty and cognition rates were better (frailty score [lower is better]: 3 vs 1.5, p <0.0001; cognition score [higher is better]: 4.5 vs 5, p = 0.001), and patients had less depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score [lower is better]: 8 vs 4, p <0.0001). Of the secondary outcomes, only postoperative VF/sustained VT reached statistical significance in being more common among frail patients than nonfrail ones (p = 0.02). Although frailty was not associated with mortality at 1 year, prolonged length of stay occurred more with frail LVAD patients. Frailty status, cognitive function, and depressive mood all improved in most patients after LVAD.

Prognostic Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test Parameters in Ventricular Assist Device Therapy.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) parameters are established prognosticators in heart failure. However, the prognostic value of preimplantation and postimplantation CPET parameters in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy is unclear and it is evaluated in this study. Adult patients who were implanted with an LVAD and underwent CPET during the preimplantation or postimplantation period were retrospectively analyzed. Five CPET parameters were calculated: vO2 max, oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES), VE/vCO2 Slope, VE/vCO2 min, and VE/vCO2 max. The relationship between CPET parameters and postimplantation outcomes was evaluated with multivariable analysis. Pre and postimplantation CPET cohorts included 191 and 122 patients, respectively. Among preimplantation CPET parameters: vO2 max and OUES were associated with 1, 3, and 5 year mortality, VE/vCO2 min was associated with 3 and 5 year mortality, whereas VE/vCO2 Slope was associated with 5 year mortality. From postimplantation CPET parameters: vO2 max was an independent predictor of 3 and 5 year mortality, whereas VE/vCO2 max was an independent predictor of 3 year mortality following LVAD implantation. Preimplantation CPET parameters have a prognostic value for long-term survival following LVAD implantation, whereas their association with early postimplantation outcomes appears to be weaker. Postimplantation vO2 max and VE/vCO2 max values are associated with survival on device support and may provide a second chance for prognostication in patients without preimplantation CPET data.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of hemiplegic shoulder pain.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on pain and functional outcomes in patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain. We compared the effects of PRP against saline solution by designing a double blind, randomized, prospective study. DESIGN: Forty-four patients with hemiplegia were included in this study. All patients received a total of 3 injections, 1 week apart. The first group received PRP injections while the second group received placebo injections. After 3 months of follow-up, 40 patients completed the trial. Primary outcome measure was movement-induced pain score (VAS), and secondary outcome measures were spontaneous pain score, shoulder passive range of motion (ROM), functional independence measure score, and the amount of paracetamol used. All subjects were evaluated at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after the completion of the last injection. RESULTS: Both groups showed an improvement in spontaneous and movement-related pain scores and shoulder passive ROM values on 1st and 3rd month visits (p < 0.05). No significance difference was detected between groups (p > 0.05). Similarly, FIM scores improved significantly in both groups (p < 0.05) but no difference was found between groups. Paracetamol use did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSION: The PRP injections were found not to be superior to placebo. Improvements in both groups can be attributed to the use of rehabilitation techniques and exercises in all patients. There is still need for further research to show whether PRP is a treatment option in the course of hemiplegic shoulder pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03931824.

Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to investigate whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are effective in the management of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder (AC). A triple-blind, randomized controlled trial was designed and conducted in a medical school hospital. METHODS: 32 adult patients with adhesive capsulitis (21 female, 11 male with a mean age of 57, ranging from 23 to 70) were included in this study. Patients had to have shoulder pain and restrictions in movements (at least 25% when compared to the other side, and at least in two directions) for three months minimum and nine months maximum. Patients were randomized to two groups, and one group took PRP injections for three times every two weeks, while the other group took saline injections in same frequency and volume. A standardized exercise program was also applied to all patients. Patients were evaluated with Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), Visual Analogue Scales for pain and disability, ranges of movements, and use of analgesics in before, after, and third month after the initiation of the therapy. RESULTS: Baseline comparisons between groups showed no differences. SPADI and ranges of motion in all directions showed significant improvements with therapy, and the group which took PRP injections showed better improvements when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Visual Analogue Scale was found to be better for the PRP group after therapy and third month, and not for the control group (0.4 ± 1.06 and 0.17 ± 0.72 vs. 2.5 ± 2.6 and 2 ± 2.2, respectively, p < 0.05). Use of analgesics was not found to be significant for both groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: PRP injections were found to be effective in both pain and disability, and showed improvements in a restricted shoulder due to adhesive capsulitis. These findings might point out PRP as a therapeutic option in the management of adhesive capsulitis.

Occupational therapy assessment and treatment approach in patients with subacute and chronic stroke: A single-blind, prospective, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of occupational therapy (OT) combined with standard rehabilitation (SR) on the activities of daily living, quality of life, and psychological symptoms of hemiplegic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2014 and February 2016, a total of 35 hemiplegic patients with post-diagnostic periods (19 males, 16 females; mean age 58.3 years; range 37 to 77 years) were included. The patients were randomized into two groups as OT+SR group (n=17) and SR only group (n=18). The study was completed by 16 patients in each group. The patients in the OT group were given 45-min SR five days a week plus 45-min OT three days a week over an eight-week period, while the patients in the SR group received SR only (of the same duration and frequency as the OT group). The patients were assessed at enrolment (pre-treatment), and again after eight weeks of treatment using the Pinch and Grip Strength and the Purdue Pegboard tests, Global Daily Living Activities Scale, Performance Assessment of Self-care Skills (PASS), Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Scale, Quality of Life Short Form (SF-36) Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) for their psychological state. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in within-group scores for PASS, Pinch and Grip Strength Test, NEADL Scale, and Purdue Pegboard test (p<0.05). After treatment, a significant increase was found in the SF-36 physical function, general health and physical total in-group scores of the OT group, whereas a significant increase was observed only in the physical total scores of the SR group (p<0.05). There was no significant improvement in the HAD scores within both groups (p>0.05). Inter-group comparisons revealed a further significant improvement in PASS instrumental daily activity index-physical subscale and Purdue Pegboard Test scores of the OT group (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in PASS activity, self-care and instrumental daily activity cognitive subscale, SF-36, HAD and hand grip and pinch strength scores between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Occupational therapy combined with SR applications has a beneficial impact on certain daily living activities and hand functions. Occupational therapy does not have any additional benefits on the quality of life, pinch and grip strength, and the psychological state.

Effects of Short Wave Diathermy Added on Dextrose Prolotherapy Injections in Osteoarthritis of the Knee.

Objective: To show the effects of short wave diathermy (SWD) added on prolotherapy injections in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee on pain, physical functioning, and quality of life. Design: This is a single-blinded randomized controlled study. Setting: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of a university hospital. Subjects: Sixty-three patients with OA of the knee with Kellgren-Lawrence class 2 or 3 were included in the study. Methods: Patients were randomized into two groups, first being dextrose prolotherapy+SWD and the second being dextrose prolotherapy with sham SWD. Patients were injected with dextrose prolotherapy solutions in the beginning, third, and sixth week of the study, for a total of three times, and took 20 min of SWD after injection (true or sham). Outcome measures: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were applied before, after (sixth week), and at the third month of treatment. Results: Both groups showed improvements in VAS, WOMAC, and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05). Between-group analyses showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that prolotherapy is effective for pain, functionality, and quality of life in patients with OA of the knee. The effects of additional SWD require more evidence. More studies of higher quality are required to make a statement.

Effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on pulmonary arterial hypertension: A prospective, randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CPR) on cardiopulmonary function, quality of life, depression, and hemodynamic parameters in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and to compare the efficacy of hospital- and home-based exercise programs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2014 to May 2016, a total of 30 patients with PAH were included in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to either a hospital-based (n=15) or home-based exercise program (n=15). The hospital group was assigned to a cardiac rehabilitation (three days/week, 1 hour/week 50 to 70% maximal oxygen uptake [PvO2]) program for eight weeks. The home-based exercise group received home exercises alone. Before and after eight weeks of rehabilitation, all patients were evaluated for their functional status (PvO2), pulmonary function including forced expiratory volume in one sec (FEV1), mL, forced vital capacity (FVC), mL and FEV1/FVC%, quality of life using Short Form-36 (SF-36), depression severity using Beck Depression Inventory, and hemodynamic parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction, right ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure. RESULTS: Of the patients, 12 completed the study in each group. There was no statistically significant difference in the functional status, quality of life, depression severity, and hemodynamic parameters after the rehabilitation compared baseline between the groups. CONCLUSION: Based on our study results, short-term CPR seems not to be beneficial in patients with PAH. We recommend long-term rehabilitation programs to achieve more benefits from aerobic exercise training in this patient population.

Bladder-related quality of life in people with neurological disorders: reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the King's Health Questionnaire in people with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to compare the bladder- related quality of life between patients with SCI and multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with SCI and 57 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) were included in the study. For analysis of test-retest reliability, the Turkish version of the KHQ scale was developed using the back translation method, and it was administered on the day of admission and again one week later. The Qualiveen and SF-36 questionnaires were administered to the patients for validity analysis. Moreover, the results of KHQ that had been administered to 35 patients with SCI were compared with those of 57 patients with MS. RESULTS: Both the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: 0.68-0.93) and the test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.69-0.94) of the KHQ in patients with SCI were found to be high. Although a weak correlation between the subscales of the KHQ and SF-36, a moderate correlation between the subscales of KHQ, and the Qualiveen questionnaire (0.34

Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Bottom of an iceberg.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to compare the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with mild-to-moderate and severe-to-very severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2010, a total of 76 patients with mild-to-moderate (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] Stages I+II, n=33, mean age 66.0±8.6 years) and severe-to-very severe (GOLD Stages III+IV, n=43, mean age 63.5±8.8 years) COPD completed an eight-week outpatient PR program. Incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests (ISWT, ESWT), St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were assessed before and after PR. Changes after the intervention were compared between two groups. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in the ISWT and median 60 m [(-150)-(400)] in mild-to-moderate group and 70 m [(0)-(270)] in severe-to-very severe group (both, p<0.001). The ESWT time improved in both groups, 122s [(-279)-(665)] (p=0.002) and 61s [(-180)- (878)] (p<0.001), respectively. Significant effects were observed in all domains of the SGRQ except the impact score in mild-to-moderate patients. There were significant improvements in all domains except the symptoms score in severe-to-very severe patients. Using the CRQ, a significant improvement was shown in all domains of CRQ except the dyspnea score of mild-to-moderate patients. Anxiety and depression scores decreased after PR in both groups (p<0.05). According to changes in outcomes, there was no difference in any parameters between two groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that patients with mild-to-moderate COPD benefit from PR comparably to patients with severe-to- very-severe COPD. Although patients with mild-to-moderate COPD are not usually symptomatic, our findings suggest that they should be included in PR.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Danish Prostatic Symptom Score to assess lower urinary tract symptoms in stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) is one of the most frequently encountered problems in stroke.OBJECTIVE:To assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN-PSS) in stroke patients with LUTD. METHODS: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. The reliability was assessed using Cronbach α and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) methods, and the validity using the correlations between the subgroup and overall scores of DAN-PSS and the scores of the Barthel Index (BI), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and Short Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: The Cronbach α values were found >0.97 and ICC 0.953-0.990 for all subgroup scores. We found a significant negative correlation between all the sub-scores of DAN-PSS and the BI, and a significant positive correlation between all the sub-scores of DAN-PSS and ICIQ-SF (p < 0.05). The symptom score of DAN-PSS had a significant negative correlation with the physical functioning, physical and emotional role subdomains of the SF-36 survey (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown the reliability and validity of the Turkish DAN-PSS, and we think that it will be useful to utilize it in the monitoring of patients with stroke and in clinical studies.

Assessment of voiding dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Danish Prostate Symptom Score.

AIMS: To investigate the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Danish Prostate Symptom Score (Dan-PSS) questionnaire in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and to compare the burden of LUTS (Lower urinary tract symptoms) in men and women. METHODS: For analysis of test-retest reliability, the Turkish version of the Dan-PSS scale was developed using the back translation method, and it was administered on the day of admission and repeated 1 week after in 60 patients with PD. The OAB-q (Overactive Bladder Questionnaire) and PDQ-39 (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39) were administered to 73 patients for validity analysis. RESULTS: Both the internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient: 0.99-1.00) and the test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.99-1.00) of the Dan-PSS were found to be high in patients with PD. Although weak to moderate correlations were found between the subscales of the Dan-PSS and PDQ-39 (r: 0.20-0.42; P < 0.05), a strong correlation was found with the OAB-q (r: 0.60-0.79; P < 0.05). Nocturnal urination was the most frequent (93.2%), and bothersome (54.8%) symptom. The majority of the symptom and bother responses were similar in men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Current study shows that the Turkish version of the Dan-PSS questionnaire is an internally consistent, reliable, and valid scale for patients with PD. Therefore, it can be used to evaluate frequency and severity of LUTS in PD. LUTS are commonly seen in patients with PD in both sexes. It is suggested that all patients with PD should be referred for urological assessment.

The effects of upper extremity aerobic exercise in patients with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Immobility and secondary complications, including cardiopulmonary disease, pressure ulcers, and pain, occur in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). These patients also have difficulty coping with the strain of daily activities. Thus, it is important for SCI patients to engage in aerobic exercise in order to be able to cope adequately with the strain of activities and SCI-related complications. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of arm aerobic exercise on the parameters of cardiopulmonary function, quality of life, degree of disability, psychological state, and metabolic syndrome. DESIGN: This study was a single blind, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: This study was conducted in a university hospital. POPULATION: SCI patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group (N.=17) or a control group (N.=16). Arm ergometer exercises (three days/week; 1.5 hours/week 50-70% pVO2) and general exercises (two sessions/day; 5 days/week), were assigned to the intervention group for 12 weeks. The control group was assigned general exercises only during this trial. METHODS: Before the rehabilitation (Week 0), after six weeks, and after the rehabilitation (Week 12), all patients were evaluated for functional status (maximal oxygen uptake [pVO2], power output [PO], and Functional Independence Measurement), pulmonary function (FEV1%, FVC%, FEV1/FVC%), quality of life (World Health Organization Measure of Quality of Life, short form, Turkish version), metabolic syndrome parameters (triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure), degree of disability (Craig Handicap Assessment and Reporting Technique, short form), and psychological status (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). RESULTS: At the end of the study, increases of 39.6% and 45.4% in the pVO2 and PO levels, respectively, were found. Additionally, no statistically significant difference was found in the intervention group after the rehabilitation compared to the levels before rehabilitation (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences in functional status, quality of life, psychological state, level of disability, or metabolic syndrome parameters were found in the intervention group (P>0.05). The control group, on the other hand, showed no clinically significant differences in any of the parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term arm aerobic exercise performed by patients with SCI improves their exercise capacities. These patients require longer rehabilitation programs to receive more benefits from aerobic exercise training. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Adding arm cranking exercise training to the rehabilitation program of patients with spinal cord injury demonstrated improved exercise capacity; however, further studies are needed to assess the effects of exercise training on other health issues.

Postural deformities: potential morbidities to cause balance problems in patients with ankylosing spondylitis?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of postural deformities caused by ankylosing spondylitis (AS) on balance problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 29 patients with AS and 21 healthy controls. For assessing exercise capacity and dynamic balance, timed up and go test, five times sit-to-stand test, gait speed, and 6-min walk test were performed. Romberg tests were used to evaluate static balance and proprioception, whereas Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activity Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and functional reach test were used to assess dynamic balance and the risk of falling. Using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index (BASMI) scores, patients with AS were divided into two groups: those with scores 0-4 were assigned to subgroup AS1, and those with scores 5-10 were assigned to subgroup AS2. RESULTS: In the whole group of patients with AS, five times sit-to-stand test, tandem Romberg test with eyes closed, and BBS and ABC scores were significantly worse than the healthy controls (p<0.05). In the AS2 subgroup having more severe and advanced disease, five additional parameters, including timed up and go test, 6-min walk test, functional reach test, FGA, and DHI scores were also significantly worse than the healthy controls (p<0.05). Comparing the two subgroups with each other, only BBS scores were significantly worse in the AS2 subgroup than in the AS1 subgroup. CONCLUSION: Although in clinical practice, poor balance is not a common problem in AS, possibly because of compensatory mechanisms, patients with AS have poorer static and dynamic balance than healthy subjects. Significantly worse BBS scores in the AS2 subgroup than in the AS1 subgroup may suggest the presence of more dynamic balance problems in advanced disease; however, future studies comprising larger samples are necessary to confirm this assumption.

Establishing a "Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis Questionnaire" and Testing Its Validity.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a questionnaire and check its validity and reliability for the diagnosis of vestibular migraine in patients reporting recurrent vestibular symptoms. BACKGROUND: Vestibular migraine is the most common cause for recurrent spontaneous vertigo. However, it is still underdiagnosed needing validated and reliable screening instruments such as ID Migraine, that can be used in primary care settings, dizziness, and migraine clinics. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Sixty consecutive patients referred to our dizziness clinic with recurring vestibular symptoms were given a questionnaire that they filled in, consisting of 8 short and simple questions. The questionnaire-based diagnosis was compared with the diagnosis based on face-to-face interview and clinical examination. Test stability was evaluated by asking the patients to fill in the questionnaire a week later during a second visit. κ analysis was used to assess item-specific test-retest reliability and also the conformity between the questionnaire-based diagnosis and the clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: The conformity between the clinical diagnosis and the diagnosis based on the questionnaire was 83.3% and the κ coefficient was 0.666 (good). Sensitivity of the questionnaire was 82.8% (24/29) and the specificity was 83.9% (26/31). The κ values in test-retest repetition were good to excellent (0.71 to 0.87) when each question was considered. CONCLUSIONS: The validity of the "Vestibular Migraine Diagnosis Questionnaire" was good and its reliability was good to excellent indicating that it can be used as a screening tool in identifying patients with vestibular migraine in our country.

Is customized vestibular rehabilitation effective in patients with multiple sclerosis? A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Balance disorders are among the most common problems encountered by patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). AIM: The purpose of this randomized, controlled trial was to investigate the effects of customized vestibular rehabilitation (VR) on balance, functional capacity, quality of life, and depression in patients with MS. DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: The study was carried out in a single tertiary referral center. POPULATION: Forty consecutive patients referred with a diagnosis of MS were randomized into two groups: an exercise group (N.=20) and a control group (N.=20). METHODS: The experimental group underwent customized VR and the wait-listed control group received the usual medical care. All of the patients were assessed with objective balance tests (Romberg Test, Tandem Romberg Test, Foam Romberg Test, Static Posturography, Six-Meter Walk Test, Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Gait Assessment, and Dynamic Gait Index), subjective balance parameters (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and Dizziness Handicap Inventory), and functional capacity (Six-Minute Walking Test), quality of life (Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory) scales. RESULTS: At the end of the trial, the exercise group exhibited significant changes in most of the evaluated parameters compared to the control group [except the Tandem Romberg with eyes closed and the Foam Romberg, standing with eyes open (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in any of the parameters in the control group (P>0.05). The intergroup comparisons of differences indicated significant recoveries in favor of the exercise group in all of the evaluated parameters (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the effects of customized VR programs on balance, quality of life, and functional capacity in patients with MS. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: Customized VR is an effective method for treating balance disorders in patients with MS.

Acetazolamide in vestibular migraine prophylaxis: a retrospective study.

The aim of this study is to check the efficacy of acetazolamide in the prophylaxis of vestibular migraine (VM). Treatment options in VM are mainly based on migraine guidelines. We tried to assess the efficacy of acetazolamide in these patients depending on clinical similarities with episodic ataxia type 2 and familial hemiplegic migraine responding to the drug. This is a retrospective cohort study. Among 50 patients with VM and prescribed acetazolamide 500 mg/day, 39 patients were studied as five had been lost on follow-up and six had stopped taking the drug due to side effects. Vertigo and headache frequency determined by number of attacks per month, and the severity determined by visual analog scales measured in centimeters from 0 to 10 were collected from the records. Initial reported figures for frequency and severity were compared with the results gathered after 3 months of treatment. The results were compared. Acetazolamide was effective in reducing both the frequency and severity of vertigo and headache attacks and this effect was more prominent for vertigo frequency and severity.

Is customized vestibular rehabilitation effective in patients with Parkinson's?

BACKGROUND: Patients with Parkinson's disease complain about restrictions in their daily life activities and impairment in their mobility and balance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of vestibular rehabilitation on functioning, quality of life, balance, and postural stability in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: The patients with Parkinson's disease divided into a rehabilitation group (Group 1, n: 29) and a control group(Group 2, n: 11). All patients were evaluated before and after eight weeks of customized vestibular rehabilitation for motor score (Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale); quality of life (Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire-39); balance (Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale [ABC], Timed Up and Go Test, Dynamic Gait Index [DGI], and Berg Balance Scale [BBS]); and postural stability (Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction on Balance [mCTSIB]. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the pre- and post-exercise ABC, BBS, and DGI scores in Group 1 (p <  0.05). A statistically significant impairment was observed in mCTSIB (firm and foam eyes closed [EC]) in the control group (p <  0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in any of the parameters evaluated (p >  0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, vestibular rehabilitation was found to be effective for improving balance in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Establishment and reliability test of a "Vertigo Council Diagnosis Questionnaire" for patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction: preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to establish a "Vertigo Council Diagnosis Questionnaire" for patients with chronic vestibular dysfunction and show the reliability of this questionnaire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A "Vertigo Council Diagnosis Questionnaire" consisting of 10 questions was prepared by 15 specialist physicians and analyzed for reliability using the "translation-back-translation" method. RESULTS: When all the items of our questionnaire were evaluated, the content validity ratio ranged from 0.6 to 0.87, and the content validity index was 0.676. The conformity ratio between the real diagnosis and the diagnosis based on the questionnaire was 63.19%, and the kappa was 0.441 (moderate). No significant difference was found between the first and second responses to any of the questions (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between question conformity (conformity between the first and second responses) and diagnostic conformity (conformity between the real diagnosis and the diagnosis based on the questionnaire) (p>0.05) in any of the questions. No relationship was found between diagnostic conformity and sociodemographic data (age, sex, education, occupation) (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study results suggest that, in Turkish patients, diagnosis of vertigo should be based on face-to-face interviews, and clinical and laboratory evaluations rather than a questionnaire.