Investigating how vestibular dysfunction affects balance and falls
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating how vestibular dysfunction affects balance and falls in older adults
IRAS ID
324021
Contact name
Toby Ellmers
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 4 months, 30 days
Research summary
Dizziness is a major problem in older adults, affecting over 50% of those aged 65+ years. Falls are common in those experiencing dizziness. The most common cause of dizziness in older adults is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV). BPPV is an inner ear disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of postural vertigo, caused by the dislodging of crystals within the vestibular organ of the inner ear. Whilst BPPV is easy to treat (through crystal repositioning manoeuvres), research suggests that these individuals remain at an elevated risk for falling post-treatment. The reasons for these continued high risks for falls remain unknown. The first aim of this project is to conduct a prospective cohort study to investigate the risk factors that predict falls in the 6-month period post BPPV treatment in older adults.
As we age, our ability to perceive vestibular sensory information can also decline. This can result in individuals with BPPV perceiving a lack of dizziness (termed ‘vestibular agnosia’). It can also mean that individuals are less able to detect body sway/motion, which may make them more susceptible for falls. The second aim of this project is to therefore investigate (i) the prevalence of vestibular agnosia in older adults referred to falls services, and (ii) how vestibular agnosia affects balance and risk for falls (over a 6-month period) in individuals both with- and without diagnosed BPPV.
These findings will help inform how to best manage dizziness and vestibular dysfunction in falls prevention services, and help identify those individuals who would benefit from additional clinical support (e.g., balance interventions or vestibular rehabilitation).REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0176
Date of REC Opinion
24 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion