Investigating BPPV in Elderly Patients in Primary Care
Screening for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo in Primary Care Among Elderly Presenting With Dizziness, Imbalance, and Increased Tendency to Fall
This study is testing if simple balance tests for dizziness in older adults can help find hidden cases of BPPV and improve their quality of life while reducing their fall risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 115 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Region Stockholm Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Saltsjö-Boo, Stockholm County) |
| Trial ID | NCT06643702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to determine if routine positional tests should be conducted on elderly patients (65 years and older) who visit primary care with symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, or increased fall risk. It focuses on identifying 'hidden' cases of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) that may not present with typical symptoms. By assessing the benefits of clinical screening and initial treatment for BPPV, the study seeks to improve the quality of life for elderly patients and reduce their risk of falls.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 65 and older who present with dizziness, imbalance, or a history of falls.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions that contraindicate head and neck movements or those not meeting the inclusion criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnosis and management of BPPV in the elderly, enhancing their quality of life and reducing fall-related injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar studies, the approach of screening for BPPV in elderly populations has shown promise in improving outcomes in related research.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Patients aged 65 years or older and present to the primary care clinic with one or several of the following: 1. Acute, episodic, or chronic sensation of dizziness/vertigo. 2. Subjective or objective imbalance during stance or movements. 3. Presented with increased tendency of falls by exhibiting unintentional loss of balance resulting in a fall one or more times in the past 12 months. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients not meeting the above epidemiological and medical criteria described under "Inclusion Criteria". 2. Patients presenting with pathologies in which head and neck movements/manipulations are contraindicated, including (but not limited to): cervical instability, acute head and neck trauma, known cervical disk prolapse, Arnold-Chiari malformation, vascular pathologies such as carotid sinus syncope, vascular dissection and vertebrobasilarinsufficiency, including patients with paralysis as well as those with reduced mobility, in whom diagnostic maneuvers cannot be correctly performed.
Where this trial is running
Saltsjö-Boo, Stockholm County
- Boo health center — Saltsjö-Boo, Stockholm County, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emilija Rackauskaite
- Email: emilija.rackauskaite@regionstockholm.se
- Phone: +46723965492
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.