Efficacy of Integrated Vestibular-Spatial Working Memory Rehabilitation: A Comparative Study of Vestibular Neuritis and Recurrent Vestibulopathy

Background Vestibular dysfunction often transcends simple postural instability, affecting higher-order cognitive processes such as spatial navigation and working memory. Objective This study aims to compare the effectiveness of vestibular-spatial working memory rehabilitation in patients with vestibular neuritis (VN) and recurrent vestibulopathy (RV). Material and Methods A total of 40 patients diagnosed with VN (n = 20) and RV (n = 20) were included. Participants underwent a vestibular-spatial working memory rehabilitation program consisting of 16 sessions (48 minutes each, once a week). Assessment was performed using Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Limits of Stability (LOS) test. Results Statistically significant improvements were observed in pre-test and post-test comparisons of SOT and LOS in both groups (p < 0.05). Improvements in global, visual, and vestibular parameters support both the motor and cognitive efficacy of the rehabilitation. Conclusion Vestibular spatial working memory rehabilitation provided significant improvement in both balance and cognitive functions in patients with VN and RV. These findings demonstrate the clinical efficacy of combined rehabilitation approaches.