Diabetic polyneuropathy may increase the handicap related to vestibular disease.

Background And Aims: We undertook this study to assess the influence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy on self-reported disability and postural control during quiet stance of patients with peripheral vestibular disease, before and after a standardized program of vestibular rehabilitation (Cawthorne & Cooksey exercises).

Methods: Twenty patients with peripheral vestibular disease participated in the study (mean age 56+/-7.8 years), 10 with and 10 without peripheral neuropathy (age matched).