Effects of vestibular rehabilitation program on balance, dizziness severity, sleep quality and quality of life in patients with vestibular migraine.

BACKGROUND

Despite growing evidence on the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) in several vestibular pathologies, data on its impact in patients with vestibular migraine (VM) remain relatively limited.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of VR on balance, dizziness severity, sleep quality and quality of life in patients diagnosed with VM.

METHODS

Forty eight patients diagnosed with VM were randomized into two groups: a control group receiving routine medical treatment and an intervention group receiving medical treatment plus an eight-week structured VR program. Participants were assessed for dizziness severity using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), for balance using balance tests, for sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and for handicap-related quality of life using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), at baseline and at the end of the 8-week treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 40 VM patients completed the study. The majority of the participants were female (85%). The intervention group showed significant improvements in static and dynamic balance tests, PSQI, dizziness-related DHI, and dizziness severity (VAS) from baseline to post-intervention (p < 0.05), whereas the control group showed no meaningful changes. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant group × time interactions across balance, functional mobility (TUG), sleep quality, and dizziness outcomes (p < 0.05), indicating greater improvements in the intervention group compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

An eight-week structured VR program combined with routine medical treatment significantly improved balance, reduced dizziness severity and dizziness-related disability, and enhanced sleep quality in patients with VM.