Effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently experience postural instability, dizziness, and impaired eye-head-body coordination, which reduce mobility and quality of life (QoL). Vestibular rehabilitation (VR) may improve vestibulo-ocular and vestibulo-spinal function....

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Vestibular rehabilitation appears effective for improving postural stability, dizziness, and coordination in MS patients; audiologists and vestibular therapists working with MS populations should consider incorporating structured VR programs if this meta-analysis confirms a significant effect.

Multiple sclerosis frequently causes vestibular symptoms, yet evidence-based rehabilitation protocols for this population have been limited; a positive meta-analysis of RCTs would provide the strongest available justification for routine vestibular rehabilitation referrals in MS care.

1. 01Systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing RCT evidence on vestibular rehabilitation in MS patients.
2. 02Outcomes assessed include postural instability, dizziness, and coordination.
3. 03MS-related vestibular dysfunction is common but historically under-addressed in rehabilitation guidelines.
4. 04Meta-analytic pooling of RCTs provides the highest level of evidence for this clinical question.
5. 05Findings could inform interdisciplinary care pathways linking neurology, audiology, and physical therapy.

PMID

42658257

DOI

10.1007/s00415-026-14082-8.

Journal

Journal of Neurology

Publication type

meta_analysis

Evidence level

1a

Population

Patients with multiple sclerosis experiencing vestibular symptoms including postural instability and dizziness

Intervention

Vestibular rehabilitation

Comparator

Control condition (nature varies across included RCTs)