Virtual reality versus optokinetic stimulation in visual vertigo rehabilitation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Visual vertigo (VV) is a condition at which there is worsening or triggering of vestibular symptoms in certain visual environments with large size (full field) repetitive or moving visual patterns as shopping malls. PURPOSE: This work was designed to study effect of virtual reality and optokinetic stimulation on rehabilitation of VV. METHOD: A total of 60 subjects divided into 2 groups that were simply randomized by the concealed envelope method: Group I consisted of 30 VV patients underwent vestibular rehabilitation using virtual reality. Group II consisted of 30 VV patients underwent vestibular rehabilitation using optokinetic stimulation. RESULTS: Significant improvement in performance in the two groups after rehabilitation with no statistically significant difference when comparing both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A combined intense rehabilitation program including OPK stimulation or VR rehabilitation combined with home-based exercises appeared to be equally effective for management of patients with VV and improving their quality of life.