Galvanic vestibular stimulation versus transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with unilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Abstract

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) due to unilateral vestibular dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients both males and females with unilateral BPPV and mini-mental status examination ≥24 were randomized equally in either of the two groups (group A and group B). Galvanic stimulus was delivered to group A patients transcutaneously, whereas TENS was administered to group B patients. The study included the pre and posttest measurement of the dependent variables on the scores obtained on vestibular ocular motor screening and Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS). RESULTS: The GVS group improved in their levels of dizziness, with pretest score of 2.53 ± 1.599 and posttest score of 0.33 ± 0.705; P = 0.00 and the levels of headache with pretest score of 2.30 ± 2.25 and posttest score of 0.92 ± 1.279; P = 0.015, which is statistically significant compared to those in peripheral nerve stimulation group with TENS on neck muscles. The GVS group improved on two items on the VSS scale pain in the heart or chest region with a pretest score value of 1.89 ± 0.315 and posttest score value of 0.00 ± 0.000; feeling of ear pressure with a pretest score of 1.75 ± 0.215 and posttest score value of 0.00 ± 0.000; P = 0 compared with those in peripheral stimulation group. RESULTS: GVS was more effective in reducing the symptoms associated with unilateral BPPV than TENS.