Knowledge, practices, and challenges in primary care management of dizziness and vertigo in Saudi Arabia

Dizziness and vertigo are common and challenging complaints in primary care, yet often remain underdiagnosed or mismanaged. This study aimed to assess primary care physicians' (PCPs) knowledge, diagnostic practices, satisfaction, and perceived needs related to the management of dizziness and vertigo in Saudi Arabia.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 186 PCPs across Saudi Arabia using an online questionnaire. The survey assessed sociodemographic characteristics, diagnostic and treatment practices, knowledge (7-item Likert scale), satisfaction (single-item scale), and suggested areas for improvement.

Most respondents were under 30 years old (53.2%) and had less than 5 years of clinical experience (57.5%). While 54.3% reported seeing more than five dizziness cases monthly, only 39.8% allocated additional consultation time. Basic diagnostic tools were variably available; 13.4% reported having none. The mean knowledge score was 20.9 (SD ± 3.99), with 16.1% showing poor knowledge. Satisfaction with dizziness management was modest (mean score 3.12 ± 0.98), and only 31.2% reported being satisfied. Knowledge positively correlated with satisfaction (r = 0.495, p < 0.001), years of experience, time per patient, and dizziness case volume.

Despite moderate knowledge levels, PCPs face significant limitations in tools, training, and systemic support for managing dizziness. Enhancing PCP education, expanding access to basic diagnostic resources, and strengthening collaboration with vestibular specialists, such as audiologists, could improve diagnostic accuracy, physician satisfaction, and patient outcomes in Saudi primary care.