Feasibility study investigating BPPV in TBI
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A feasibility study investigating different interventions for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in acute traumatic brain injury patients
IRAS ID
249678
Contact name
Rebecca Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN91943864
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 26 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Dizziness affects the majority of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and can have a burdensome impact on individuals, their families and on wider society. However, evidence suggests dizziness and imbalance problems are not well managed in acute TBI (i.e whilst patients are still in hospital).
We will train ward staff to be able to diagnose and treat one specific form of dizziness, 'Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV]' which affects approximately 50% of acute TBI patients. We will ask patients with a positive diagnosis of BPPV to take part. Those taking part will be asked to complete some questionnaires about their symptoms and to complete some tests of their balance.These tests are non invasive and are well tolerated. We will then randomly allocate patients to three different treatments; respositioning maneouvres, Brandt-Daroff exercises and advice. Study participants will be followed up in face to face appointments at 4 weeks and 12 weeks following treatment.
We will interview study participants, those that decline to take part in the study as well as ward staff undertaking the diagnostic tests and treatments, to determine the acceptability of the intervention. This will help shape a future, larger trial.
Summary of Results
The aim of this study was to find out whether it was possible and practical to assess and treat a specific form of dizziness (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV]) after traumatic brain injury. Adults with acute traumatic brain injury across three hospitals in London consented to take part. They were allocated by chance to one of three treatments (Re-positioning manoeuvres, Brandt Daroff exercises or Advice). Participants were followed up for 12 weeks and were re-tested for BPPV.
Fifty eight adults with BPPV were allocated by chance to one of the treatments noted above. The study met criteria to progress to a larger randomised controlled trial. Results from the study noted that it was acceptable to assess and treat BPPV following traumatic brain injury.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/EE/0052
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion