Living With the Fear of Recurrence in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

TL;DR

This study explores how people with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo live with the fear of recurring vertigo and how it affects their lives emotionally and socially.

Contribution

The study provides novel insights into the psychological and emotional experiences of BPPV patients, emphasizing the need for patient-centered care.

Findings

Patients with BPPV experience persistent anxiety and emotional fatigue due to fear of recurrence.

BPPV significantly impacts patients' well-being despite being perceived as a mild condition.

Coping strategies and support from family are crucial for patients adapting to the illness.

Abstract

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common vestibular disorder characterized by brief vertigo episodes. It often leads to functional limitations, psychological distress, and fear of recurrence.

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain a deep understanding of the lived experiences of patients with BPPV.

Participants were initially recruited through convenience sampling at a BPPV specialist clinic, with additional participants identified via snowball sampling. Data were gathered through individual, in‐depth interviews.

A central theme, “Reconstructing meaning in the face of an unpredictable illness,” captured patients' transformative journey from shock and confusion to adaptation and renewed self‐awareness. Six themes emerged from data: “Shock and confusion from unexpected illness,” “Unbearable symptoms affecting daily life,” “Persistent anxiety about recurrence leading to emotional fatigue,” “Heightened health awareness following the illness experience,” “Disappointment with treatment support and efforts to seek alternatives independently,” and “Empathy from others and support from family as emotional anchors.”

Patients with BPPV experienced fear and dread of recurrence, while simultaneously struggling to develop their own coping strategies to address unresolved questions and concerns. Recognizing this need can help identify areas requiring professional intervention. Although the symptoms and fears associated with BPPV may be underestimated due to the perceived mildness of the condition, the impact of BPPV on patients' overall well‐being is significant.

Patients and the public were not directly involved in the design or conduct of this study. However, the research was grounded in the lived experiences of individuals with BPPV, whose narratives were central to shaping the research questions and analysis. Their perspectives provided valuable insights into the physical, emotional, and social impacts of BPPV, ensuring that the findings reflect issues most relevant to those affected and guiding potential directions for future patient‐centered nursing.