Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) as a reliable tool for assessment of patients of Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPPV) – A study of 30 Cases

Introduction: Dizziness is a subjective feeling of postural instability or of illusory motion of self or environment either as a sensation of spinning or falling. It can be caused by a wide spectrum of peripheral and central disorders. BPPV is one of the commonest causes. Dizziness affects the quality of life of the patient and hence a subjective assessment using Various Scales is essential. Methodology: We have assessed 30 patients of BPPV using the Dizziness Handicap Inventroy (DHI), and used the same for determining treatment outcomes. Results and Discussion: Majority of our patients were females with a mean age of 52. DHI scores were severe especially with lateral canal BPPV. The Physical Parameters were most affected in the DHI Scale. Treatment had a great impact on the DHI Results. Summary: DHI is a easy to use, effective and reliable scale to assess patients of dizziness especially BPPV and also for treatment response.