Vestibular Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vestibular Rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis: a randomised controlled trial and cost-effectiveness analysis comparing customised with booklet based vestibular rehabilitation for vestibulopathy and a 12 month observational cohort study of the symptom reduction and recurrence rate following treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.
IRAS ID
243306
Contact name
Jonathan Marsden
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Plymouth
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Symptoms of dizziness or vertigo in Multiple Sclerosis can be caused by problems with the inner ear (termed vestibular system); in the signalling in the nerves supplying the vestibular system and in processing of signals in the brain. It is currently unclear in people with Multiple Sclerosis whether available treatments are effective and whether symptom relief lasts after cessation of treatment.\nThis study will recruit people with Multiple Sclerosis who can walk at least 20 m with / without a walking aid and who have symptoms of dizziness or vertigo. The cause of the symptoms will be determined using tests that involve measuring the type and accuracy of eye movements when tracking visual targets and moving the head. People with a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo will be entered into an observational study where treatment using established re-positioning manoeuvers over 2-3 sessions will be followed by re-assessment 6 and 12 months later to see if the symptoms have re-occurred.\n\nPeople with pathology affecting the vestibular nerve or the processing of vestibular signals in the brain will be entered into a trial. People will be randomly assigned to one of two groups either (a) Customised exercises- a 12 week home programme of exercises targeting specific problems supplemented by twelve face-to-face session with a physiotherapist (b) Generic exercises- a 12 week home programme of exercises based on a booklet and supported by two telephone calls with a physiotherapist. Outcome measures will be taken before and after the intervention and a further 12 weeks later. The measures will assess people’s perceived symptoms using questionnaires and clinical measures of balance and walking. The cost of the treatments and other interventions will be determined. The clinical effectiveness of the interventions and their value for money will be calculated.\n
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0145
Date of REC Opinion
29 Jun 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion