Risk Factors for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness Development

The diagnosis persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) entered the 11th edition of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11 beta draft) in 2015 following a consensus document on its diagnostic criteria created by the Behavioral Subcommittee of the Committee for the Classification of Vestibular Disorders of the Bárány Society (CCBS) between 2010 and 2014. The ICD-11 describes it as follows: "Persistent non-vertiginous dizziness, unsteadiness, or both lasting three months or more. Symptoms are present most days, often increasing throughout the day, but may wax and wane. Momentary flares may occur spontaneously or with sudden movement. Affected individuals feel worst when upright, exposed to moving or complex visual stimuli, and during active or passive head motion. These situations may not be equally provocative. Typically, the disorder follows occurrences of acute or episodic vestibular or balance-related problems, but may follow non-vestibular insults as well. Symptoms may begin intermittently, and then consolidate. Gradual onset is uncommon." In a previous systematic review of the literature, the authors discuss the pathophysiology and management of PPPD, including certain psychological risk factors. Anxiety has been suggested to play a pivotal role in the maladaptation cycle of PPPD in part by increasing body vigilance and both neuroticism and a pre-existing anxiety disorder have been suggested as predisposing factors for the onset of this maladaptation cycle. Such risk factors may allow the prediction of who might be at risk of developing PPPD after an acute vestibular injury and thus benefit from early treatment.

As PPPD is a relatively new diagnosis, to date there is no study that comprehensively confirms the prevalence of anxiety, neuroticism and/or increased body vigilance in sufferers specifically. It is important to determine this in order to guide further research into treating and potentially preventing its onset.

Inclusion criteria

• Must have diagnosis of PPPD based on the CCBS criteria
• Aged under 18 years old
• Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria
• No confirmed/firm diagnosis of PPPD
• Aged <18 years old
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Current clinically significant illness that could confound the study results