Balance function test correlates of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory

Balance Function test data alone cannot capture the reaction that a patient has to balance system disease. The present investigation examined the relations among components of the balance function examination (electronystagmography, rotational testing, and platform posturography) and self-perceived dizziness handicap, as quantified by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). The DHI is a 25-item self-assessment scale designed to quantify the functional, emotional, and physical effects of dizziness and unsteadiness. The DHI was administered to 367 patients seen consecutively for balance function evaluations. The results indicated that the largest proportion of significant correlations existed between DHI and the sensory organization subtests of platform posturography. Further, greater perceived handicap was documented for patients with (1) spontaneous nystagmus and (2) decreased postural stability quantified by evaluating the inter-relations among vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems (posturography).