Chronic Dizziness and Positional Symptoms: An Exploration of Symptom Clusters and Participant-Reported Experiences

This mixed-methods design (a) quantitatively describes the symptom cluster assignments of patients with chronic dizziness who completed a dizziness triage questionnaire and (b) qualitatively explains patient-reported themes associated with the most frequently assigned symptom cluster.

A retrospective hybrid explanatory mixed-methods design was implemented to examine an artificial intelligence dizziness triage questionnaire posted online in a vestibular disorders support group from June 2021 to November 2022. Symptom cluster assignments are described in 791 participants. In the qualitative analysis, emerging codes were identified in the dominant symptom cluster in 50 participants.

Quantitative analysis identified a total of 301 symptom cluster combinations. The analysis from 791 participants revealed that females exhibited more symptom clusters than males, age impacted symptoms inversely, and longer duration of symptom history exhibited more symptom clusters. "Positional" was the most common symptom cluster among 50 participants. Of those 50, six major themes emerged from the data: (a) physical symptoms, (b) cognitive symptoms, (c) triggers, (d) temporal information, (e) management, and (f) emotions.

The results from this study emphasize the complexity and variability of chronic dizziness. Comprehensive patient assessments that combine questionnaires with clinical expertise and patient dialogue are needed to improve diagnosis and management.