Measurement of health status in patients with vertigo

In order to assess how much disability is caused by vertigo, health status scores of patients referred with dizziness or vertigo were compared with local population normative data and with the severity of illness, measured by a disease-specific questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered by post to patients awaiting an ENT out-patient appointment. There was a strong correlation (P = 0.001) between the eight dimensions of the SF-36 (Mos 36 item short-form health survey) and disease severity, measured by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire. Compared with the general population, vertigo sufferers had significant role limitation due to physical problems and social functioning (men) and physical problems and vitality (women). General health status is significantly affected by both the presence and severity of vertigo and the SF-36 may prove useful in assessing outcomes.