Journal of Neurology

, Volume 241, Issue 4, pp 191–195 | Cite as

Phobic postural vertigo: a first follow-up

  • T. Brandt
  • D. Huppert
  • M. Dieterich
Original Communication
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:

Abstract

Seventy-eight patients with phobic postural vertigo (PPV) and 17 patients with psychogenic disorder of stance and gait (PSG) were asked to evaluate their condition 6 months to 5.5 years after their original referral and short-term psychotherapy. Two results seem most important: (1) PPV had a favourable course with a 72% improvement rate (22% of patients becoming symptom free), whereas the majority of patients with PSG (52%) remained unchanged; (2) the majority of patients with PPV experienced complete remission or considerable improvement even if their condition had lasted between 1 and 20 years prior to diagnosis. Complete remission of PSG was observed only if the disorder had been present less than 4 months; there was no improvement if it had lasted longer than 2 years. PPV can be defined as a distinct clinical entity with a relatively benign course. It can be reliably diagnosed on the basis of typical features.

Key words

Phobic postural vertigo Psychogenic disorders Postural balance Panic disorder Conversion 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1994

Authors and Affiliations

  • T. Brandt
    • 1
  • D. Huppert
    • 1
  • M. Dieterich
    • 1
  1. 1.Neurologische Universitätsklinik, Klinikum GroßhadernMünchenGermany

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