Effect of central sensitization on dizziness-related symptoms of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, 2022, Hashimoto et al

Abstract

Background
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional dizziness symptom triggered by psychological stress, but its pathophysiology is unknown. Central sensitization is considered the cause of functional diseases, such as medically unexplained symptoms, and is a psychosocially affected condition. However, the association between dizziness symptoms in PPPD and central sensitization remains unclear. Thus, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relation between dizziness symptoms and central sensitization in PPPD.

Methods
We recruited 61 outpatients with dizziness who met the PPPD diagnostic criteria. In addition to the evaluation of dizziness symptoms using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, the participants were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). A CSI score of 40 or higher was defined as central sensitization syndrome (CSS), and the severity of each condition in CSS and non-CSS participants was compared. We also evaluated the association between dizziness symptoms and central sensitization and coexisting symptoms using linear multiple regression analysis.

Results
We analyzed the data of 50 valid responses (valid response rate of 82.0 percent). Compared with the non-CSS group, the CSS group had a higher degree of disability owing to dizziness and a higher rate of complications of anxiety and depression. The regression analysis results showed that the severity of central sensitization was a related factor that could enhance the dizziness symptoms of PPPD.

Conclusions
Central sensitization may affect the dizziness symptoms of PPPD as an exacerbating factor.

Open access, https://bpsmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13030-022-00235-4

 

I would fully expect the average high school science project to be more serious than this. What incredible circular nonsense, and another made-up label and definition based on superficial features, as if there's a coupon for a free one after each dozen.

 

Wow, it is so easy to diagnose central sensitization with a questionnaire alone ! (irony)

Oh Lord, but where is the clear cause and effect demonstration of this Central Sensitization theory ?! And what about PPPD !

(article) " PPPD has psychosomatic aspects, but the mechanism of chronic dizziness symptoms has not been elucidated." Translation: we cannot currently prove it but we are certain that this mental disorder exists.

" Between January 2019 and November 2020, 152 patients aged 20 to 79 years visited the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital, for dizziness."

Well, there really is a Department of Psychosomatic Medicine. What a nightmare for the future...

 

That first sentence reads like a Tupac-song, which is about all the good I can say about it.