Dizziness in Clinical Practice: Insights From a Multidisciplinary Patient Cohort

This study aimed to characterize the clinical presentation, comorbidity profiles, and diagnostic outcomes of patients referred for dizziness assessment at a tertiary-level multidisciplinary clinic.

We conducted a retrospective observational study involving 254 patients. Data were extracted from structured intake forms and included demographics, symptom type and frequency, comorbidities, Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores, prior healthcare utilization, and final diagnoses. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, and Spearman's correlations to explore the relationships between DHI scores and clinical variables.

Most patients reported daily symptoms and multiple aggravating factors, including head movements and stress. Anxiety (44.5%) and memory complaints (47.2%) were common comorbidities. The mean DHI score was 34.2 (standard deviation=16.8), reflecting a mild-to-moderate perceived handicap. Peripheral vestibular disorders were the most common diagnostic category (42.9%), followed by non-peripheral causes (37.8%). Significant differences in DHI scores were observed across diagnostic categories (p<0.001), with higher scores observed in PPPD, combined vestibular disorders, and non-peripheral diagnostic groups. However, DHI scores were not significantly associated with symptom frequency, comorbidities, or healthcare utilization history.

Dizziness presentation is heterogeneous and frequently involves prolonged diagnostic delays, overlapping symptomatology, and psychosocial comorbidities. This study's findings support the need for earlier access to vestibular assessments and integrated multidisciplinary management to reduce disability and improve outcomes for patients with chronic dizziness.