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Dizziness: A common, troublesome symptom but often treatable
Barbro Mendel1, Johan Bergenius, Ann Langius-Eklöf
1Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. barbro.mendel@ki.se
Journal of Vestibular Research : Equilibrium & Orientation
|September 10, 2010
Summary
Dizziness symptoms are common, affecting 21% of adults and often indicating peripheral vestibular disorders. These symptoms are linked to poorer self-rated health in both men and women.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Dizziness and unsteadiness are common complaints.
- Peripheral vestibular disorders contribute significantly to these symptoms.
- The impact of dizziness on overall health is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of self-rated dizziness/unsteadiness and its association with health.
- To estimate the proportion of individuals with symptoms suggestive of peripheral vestibular disorders.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiological cross-sectional study involving 2547 participants.
- Utilized self-rated questionnaires on dizziness, auditory symptoms, and general health.
- Assessed general, psychosocial, and mental health status.
Main Results:
- Overall dizziness prevalence was 21%, higher in women (27%) than men (14%).
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) affected 5% of participants.
- Dizziness correlated with worse self-rated general, psychosocial, and mental health (p<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Dizziness symptoms are prevalent across age groups and associated with diminished self-rated health.
- Approximately 50% of participants exhibited symptoms indicative of peripheral vestibular disorders.
- Self-rated assessments can identify individuals needing clinical evaluation for vestibular conditions.
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