Web-based vestibular rehabilitation in persistent postural-perceptual dizziness.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to investigate the feasibility and preliminary outcome of a Norwegian web-based self-help application for vestibular rehabilitation (VR) among patients with high symptom burden of chronic dizziness fulfilling the criteria for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The web application consists of six weekly online sessions, with written information and video presentations. It is self-instructive and freely available on NHI.no (https://nhi.no/for-helsepersonell/vestibular-rehabilitering/). Ten consecutive patients referred to a neurologic outpatient clinic for chronic dizziness were included. They signed informed consent forms and were examined at inclusion and after three months. State of health and symptom burden were recorded using Vertigo symptom score (VSS), Niigata symptom score (NPQ), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and health-related quality of life score (EQ5D-5L). Experiences with the program were measured using a semi-structured interview at the end of the study. RESULTS: Nine out of ten patients completed the program. The findings suggest that the web application was easy to use, instructive and educatable. Challenges were the load of exercises, motivation to continue training during relapses and performing the body rolling on the floor. Participants had high symptom burden (VSS mean 32.9) and long duration of symptoms in years (mean 11.5). The participants improved on average 6.9 points on the VSS score. CONCLUSIONS: This web application for chronic dizziness appears to be feasible and may reduce symptoms in patients who have struggled with serious and long-lasting dizziness.

Validation of the Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ).

BACKGROUND: Airway symptoms and sleeplessness in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may be of importance. This study validates a new questionnaire dealing with such symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Reflux, Airway and Sleep Questionnaire (RASQ) is self-administered, asks about 18 symptoms or diagnoses possibly related to GERD answered on a seven-point Likert scale and with a 1-year recall period. There are questions about heartburn/regurgitation, sleeplessness, snoring, pneumonia, and upper airway infections, as well as various bronchial and laryngeal symptoms. The study included 305 patients diagnosed with GERD (n = 65), laryngitis (n = 32), asthma (n = 30), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 45), acute bronchitis (n = 39), pneumonia (n = 42), or upper airway infection (n = 52) during the last year, and 708 matched healthy controls. Concurrent validity was based on comparisons between patients and controls. Convergent validity for sleeplessness and snoring were tested by comparing the RASQ with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Test-retest reliability was examined in patients with GERD with stable symptoms (n = 29). RESULTS: Response rates were 64% for patients and 55% for controls. Scores for RASQ as a total and all subscales were significantly higher in patients than in controls. Sleeplessness scores correlated significantly to the global PSQI score. Snoring correlated significantly with both the ESS and relevant aspects of the PSQI. Test-retest reliability and Cronbach's alpha were satisfactory, with coefficients ranging between 0.65-0.95 and 0.88-0.92, respectively. CONCLUSION: The RASQ appears to be well suited for measuring typical reflux symptoms as well as airway symptoms and sleep disturbances.

Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee in Norway 2002-2004 (national survey): rapid increase, older patients, large geographic differences.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee is the second most common MRI examination in Norway after head/brain MRI. Little has been published internationally on trends in the use of knee MRI after 1999. This study aimed to describe levels and trends in ambulant knee MRI utilisation in Norway 2002-2004 in relation to type of radiology service, geographic regions, number of MRI-scanners, patient age and gender, and type of referring health care provider. METHODS: We analysed administrative data on all claims for reimbursement of ambulant knee MRI performed in Norway in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and noted nominal reimbursement. We also recorded the referring health care provider from clinical requests of ambulant knee MRI done consecutively during two months in 2004 at one private institute and three hospitals. Number of MRI-scanners was given by manufacturers and radiology services. RESULTS: In Norway, the rate of knee MRI claims for 2004 was 15.6 per 1000 persons. This rate was 74% higher in East than in North region (18.4 vs. 10.6), slightly higher for men than women (16.4 vs. 14.7) and highest for ages 50-59 years (29.0) and 60-69 years (21.2). Most claims (76% for 2004) came from private radiology services. In 2004, the referring health care provider was a general practitioner in 63% of claims (unspecified in 24%) and in 83.5% (394/472) of clinical requests. From 2002 to 2004, the rate of knee MRI claims increased 64%. In the age group 50 years or above the increase was 86%. Rate of MRI-scanners increased 43% to 21 scanners per million persons in 2004. Reimbursement for knee MRI claims (nominal value) increased 80% to 70 million Norwegian kroner in 2004. CONCLUSION: Ambulant knee MRI utilisation in Norway increases rapidly especially for patients over 50, and shows large geographic differences. Evaluation of clinical outcomes of this activity is needed together with clinical guidelines for use of knee MRI.