Cognitive-behavioural factors in persistent vestibular symptoms (V1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive and behavioural correlates of dizziness related handicap in patients with persistent vestibular symptoms
IRAS ID
211535
Contact name
Rona Moss-Morris
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 0 days
Research summary
As many as 3 out of every 10 people will experience dizziness at some point of their life. It is one of the most common reasons why people go to see a doctor. The most common cause of dizziness is due to problems in the inner ear balance system, called the vestibular system.
We know that as many as 3 in every 5 people who experience a sudden vestibular dysfunction continue to suffer dizziness 6 months later, even after the vestibular function has recovered. This results in profound consequences for the individual, the community and the National Health Service (NHS). Research shows that a person’s emotions, thoughts and behaviours can affect the degree to which dizziness interferes with their life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of available research informing the development of treatments targeting these aspects of vestibular diseases.
A large systematic review currently in preparation has formulated a cognitive-behavioural model of persistent vestibular symptoms. We are now seeking ethical approval for a questionnaire-based survey. The survey will draw on the earlier review by investigating the contribution of a number of cognitive and behavioural variables to the explanation of dizziness related outcomes above and beyond measures of disease severity.
People who are on the waiting list to attend the specialist balance clinic at Guy’s Hospital and have experienced dizziness for more than 3 months will be approached to take part. People who do not speak English or have cognitive impairment that would limit their capacity to consent or complete the questionnaire independently will be excluded. Participants will have the opportunity to complete the survey either by post or through an online survey tool. They will then be asked to complete the questionnaires again, 3 months after their appointment in the balance clinic. This will help to refine our preliminary model.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
16/NI/0256
Date of REC Opinion
22 Nov 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion