Vestibular Rehabilitation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PP-02)

Objective: Symptoms arising from vestibular system dysfunction are observed in 49–59% of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS). Symptoms may include vertigo, dizziness and/or imbalance. Balance related dysfunction remains a debilitating clinical manifestation among PwMS causing significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. These impact on functional ability, and contribute to falls and significant health and social care costs. The aim of this review is to evaluate the evidence for the use of vestibular rehabilitation (VR), in comparison with other exercise interventions or no intervention, to treat balance impairments and dizziness in PwMS.
Method and materials: We performed a literature review with the following keywords: Multiple Sclerosis; Vestibulopathy, Vestibular Rehabilitation; Vertigo and Dizziness. Five different databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of science (WOS), Science Direct and Google Scholar) were independently screened. Publications in English were reviewed from 2000 to 2024. 
Results: Twelve papers met the inclusion criteria for this study. Results of the study showed that following VR, PwMS that received VR had greater improvements in balance, and disability due to dizziness or disequilibrium compared with PwMS that did not receive the intervention and there was significant improvement in the physical and functional activities of PwMS after completion of the VR.
Conclusion: We conclude that compared with no intervention, VR is more effective for balance development and dizziness symptoms improvement in PwMS and VR exercises appeared useful in reducing subjective complaints of PwMS.