Walking and balance in older adults with age-related hearing loss: A cross-sectional study of cases and matched controls.

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss (HL) is prevalent in older individuals. It is suggested that there is an association between age-related HL, walking and balance, leading to poorer function and increased risk of falls in older individuals. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is HL associated with physical performance, gait variability, and postural sway in older adults, and will additional dizziness moderate the effect of HL on balance? METHODS: In this cross-sectional study we examined 100 older individuals (age ≥70 years, 60 % females), divided in two groups, with or without age-related HL. Physical function and balance were evaluated by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), postural sway measured on a force platform (posturography), and balance in walking (gait variability) measured with a body-worn sensor. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationships between the variables, with physical function and balance as outcomes and HL as a dichotomous exposure (>30 dB). For all analyses, we further tested if associations were modified by self-reported dizziness. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis with HL, age, sex, education, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease revealed a significant association between reduced SPPB and HL. Multiple linear regression analysis also showed that HL was associated with increased postural sway on firm surface with eyes open and closed after adjusting for age, sex, education, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. There was significant association between HL and increased gait variability during dual task walking in all directions after adjusting for age, sex, education, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Further, we found that the association between HL and SPPB was significantly stronger in those with dizziness compared with those without dizziness. Dizziness also modified the association of HL with the other SPPB sub-scores but not for the other outcomes of postural sway or gait variability. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, age-related HL was associated with worse physical performance as measured by SPPB, postural sway, and gait variability. This relationship illustrates the importance of assessing physical performance in people with HL to prevent risk of falls and disability.

Psychometric Properties and Concurrent Validity of a 10-Item Questionnaire for Patients With Vestibular Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties and concurrent validity of the Haukeland Dizziness Questionnaire (HDQ-10), a 10-item questionnaire designed for simplified assessment of symptom severity and emotional effects in patients with vestibular disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Secondary referral hospital. METHODS: Out of 238 consecutive patients examined for suspected vestibular disease at an otolaryngology clinic, 201 completed the questionnaire. The psychometric properties of the HDQ-10 were examined by exploratory factor analysis and analysis of internal consistency. Concurrent validity was determined in comparison with the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Vertigo Symptom Scale-Short Form (VSS-SF), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. RESULTS: The factor analysis revealed 3 subscales of the questionnaire covering "function," "unsteadiness," and "emotion." The examination of the total scale (α = .866) and its subscales indicated satisfactory psychometric properties. The HDQ-10 correlated highly with both DHI (r = .732. P < .001) and VSS-SF (r = .720. P < .001) indicating good concurrent validity. CONCLUSION: The HDQ-10 is a 10-item questionnaire designed for simplified assessment of symptom severity and emotional effects in patients with vestibular disorders. It has satisfactory psychometric properties and good concurrent validity compared to existing dizziness questionnaires.

Vestibular Tests Related to Tumor Volume in 137 Patients With Small to Medium-Sized Vestibular Schwannoma.

OBJECTIVE: The video head impulse test (vHIT) and cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP and oVEMP) are new methods for measuring peripheral vestibular function. The objectives of this study were to compare these tests and the traditionally used caloric test in patients with small and medium-sized untreated vestibular schwannoma (VS) and to measure the correlation between the tests' results and tumor volume. STUDY DESIGN: National cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary university clinic. METHODS: Prevalence of abnormal cVEMP, oVEMP, caloric test, and 6-canal vHIT results on the tumor side and the nontumor side were compared and related to tumor volume with regression analyses in 137 consecutive VS patients assigned to a wait-and-scan protocol in the period 2017 to 2019. RESULTS: The sensitivity of 6-canal vHIT, caloric test, cVEMP, and oVEMP to detect vestibulopathy in VS patients was 51%, 47%, 39%, and 25%, respectively. Normal tests were found in 21% of the patients. The results of vHIT and caloric test were related to tumor volume, but this was not found for cVEMP and oVEMP. CONCLUSION: The caloric test and 6-canal vHIT showed the highest sensitivity in detecting vestibulopathy in untreated VS patients. vHIT, and particularly the posterior canal, was limited with a high prevalence of abnormal results on the nontumor side. A combination of cVEMP and caloric test was favorable in terms of a relatively high sensitivity and low prevalence of abnormal results on the nontumor side. Larger tumors had a higher rate of pathology on caloric testing and vHIT.

Musculoskeletal pain patterns and association between dizziness symptoms and pain in patients with long term dizziness - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The impact of long-term dizziness is considerable both on the personal level and in society and may lead to self-imposed restrictions in daily activities and social relations due to fear of triggering the symptoms. Musculoskeletal complaints seem to be common in persons with dizziness, but studies addressing these complaints as a widespread occurrence, are scarce. This study aimed to examine the occurrence of widespread pain in patients with long-term dizziness and investigate the associations between pain and dizziness symptoms. Further, to explore whether diagnostic belonging is related to the occurrence of pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an otorhinolaryngology clinic and included 150 patients with persistent dizziness. The patients were categorized into three groups: episodic vestibular syndromes, chronic vestibular syndromes, and non-vestibular group. The patients completed questionnaires on dizziness symptoms, catastrophic thinking, and musculoskeletal pain when entering the study. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the population, and associations between pain and dizziness were investigated by linear regression. RESULTS: Pain was reported by 94.5% of the patients. A significantly higher prevalence of pain was reported in all the ten pain sites examined compared to the general population. Number of pain sites and pain intensity were associated with the dizziness severity. Number of pain sites was also associated with dizziness-related handicap, but not with catastrophic thinking. There was no association between pain intensity and dizziness-related handicap or catastrophic thinking. Pain was equally distributed in the diagnostic groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with long-term dizziness have a considerably higher prevalence of pain and number of pain sites than the general population. Pain co-exists with dizziness and is associated with dizziness severity. These findings may indicate that pain should be systematically assessed and treated in patients with persisting dizziness.

Hearing threshold and physical performance in older people: a cross-sectional study from the HUNT4 cohort.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between increased hearing loss and reduced physical performance in older people. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based study using data from the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Survey (HUNT4) in Norway. Data were obtained from the subproject HUNT4 Hearing which collected audiometric data of people > 70 years (N = 13,197). Analyses were performed on all participants who had completed audiometry and measured balance using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), which was scored from 0 (worst score) to 12. The hearing threshold was expressed as a pure tone average (PTA). Associations between the hearing threshold for the best and worst ear and physical performance were analyzed by linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Hearing threshold was indicated with steps of 10 dB. RESULTS: Of 13,197 eligible participants, 4101 who completed audiometry and SPPB (52.3% women. mean age 76.3 years) were included. The analyses revealed an association between reduced SPPB and increased hearing threshold in the best ear (b = - 0.296; 95% CI - 0.343 to - 0. 249; P < 0.001) and the worst ear (b = - 0.229; 95% CI - 0.270 to - 0.189; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population study, we found that the increased hearing threshold was associated to reduced physical performance as measured by SPPB. The association seemed to be strongest for the best ear. The association between hearing threshold and physical performance illustrates the importance of assessing physical performance in people with hearing loss to prevent the risk of falls and disability. The underlying causes of the associations between hearing loss and poorer physical performance are not fully understood and should be further investigated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

The Dizziness Handicap Inventory and sickness absence: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the association between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and sickness absence from work in patients with dizziness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at an otolaryngology clinic with 238 patients referred for a suspected vestibular disorder during a 1-year period. The association between sickness absence over the last 30 days and DHI was examined with binary and ordinal logistic regression. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), health-related quality of life (RAND-12), duration of dizziness, diagnosis, age and gender were used as adjustments variables. RESULTS: The adjusted analysis showed that a 10-point increase on DHI was associated with an increased risk of sickness absence (yes/no) (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.25-1.90, p < 0.001). In addition, a 10-point increase in DHI-score was associated with a higher degree of sickness absence (OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.25-1.80, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A higher DHI-score was associated with sickness absence in addition to the duration of absence the previous month. These results indicate the relevance and clinical usefulness of the DHI as a possible indicator of sickness absence from work in patients with dizziness regardless of diagnosis.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONApproximately half of patients referred to a dizziness clinic have sickness absence.A higher score on The Dizziness Handicap Inventory is associated with longer duration of sickness absence.A vestibular diagnosis was not associated with sickness absence.The results indicate that the Dizziness Handicap Inventory may be a clinically useful tool for identifying patients with a high risk of sickness absence.

The Romberg sign, unilateral vestibulopathy, cerebrovascular risk factors, and long-term mortality in dizzy patients.

Objectives: Describe the relationship between unsteadiness, canal paresis, cerebrovascular risk factors, and long-term mortality in patients examined for dizziness of suspected vestibular origin. Study design: Observational cohort with prospective collection of survival data. Setting: University clinic neurotological unit. Patients: Consecutive patients aged 18-75 years examined in the period 1992-2004 for dizziness of suspected vestibular origin. Outcome measures: Overall survival. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR). Factors: Unsteadiness, canal paresis, age, sex, patient-reported diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, or TIA/minor stroke. Patients were classified as steady or unsteady based on static posturography at baseline compared to normative values. Results: The study included 1,561 patients with mean age 48 years and 60 % females. Mean follow-up was 22 years. Unsteadiness was associated with higher age, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular dizziness. There were 336 deaths over 31,335 person-years (SMR 0.96; 95 % confidence interval: 0.86-1.07). Canal paresis was not related to unsteadiness (chi square: p = 0.46) or to mortality (unadjusted Cox hazard ratio: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.80-1.34). Unsteadiness was an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted Cox hazard ratio: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.14-1.82). Conclusions: Unsteadiness measured by static posturography is associated with higher age, known cerebrovascular risk factors, and with increased long-term mortality, but not with canal paresis in patients evaluated for dizziness. The study highlights the importance of evaluating patients with conspicuous postural instability for non-vestibular causes.

Prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal pain in patients with dizziness-A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the leading causes of disability globally, but their role in patients with dizziness and imbalance is not well understood or explored. Such knowledge may be important as musculoskeletal pain and dizziness can mutually influence each other, leading to a complex condition requiring more comprehensive approaches to promote successful recovery. We conducted a systematic review to examine the extent and characteristic of reported musculoskeletal pain in patients with dizziness. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Amed, Google Scholar, SveMed+, and Web of Science was conducted in March 2021. Inclusion criteria were studies examining patients with a vestibular diagnosis, patients with cervicogenic dizziness and patients included based on having dizziness as a symptom; and reported musculoskeletal pain. Data regarding age, sex, sample size, diagnosis and musculoskeletal pain was extracted. The Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool was used for assessing methodical quality of the included studies. RESULTS: Out of 1507 screened studies, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The total sample consisted of 1144 individuals with dizziness. The frequency of patients reporting pain ranged between 43% and 100% in the included studies. Pain intensity were scored between 5 and 7 on a 0-10 scale. Pain in the neck and shoulder girdle was most often reported, but musculoskeletal pain in other parts of the body was also evident. DISCUSSION: In the included studies, musculoskeletal pain was highly prevalent in patients with dizziness, with pain intensity that may have a moderate to severe interference with daily functioning. Pain in the neck and shoulder is well documented, but there are few studies addressing musculoskeletal pain in additional parts of the body. More research is needed to understand the relations between dizziness and musculoskeletal pain.

The Risk of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo After Head Trauma.

OBJECTIVES: Head trauma may cause dislodgement of otoconia and development of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The risk of developing BPPV is expected to be highest shortly after the trauma, then decrease and approach the risk seen in the general population. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk-time curve of BPPV development after head trauma. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS: Patients with minimal, mild, or moderate head trauma treated at the Department of Neurosurgery or the Department of Orthopedic Emergency at Oslo University Hospital, were interviewed and examined for BPPV using the Dix-Hallpike and supine roll maneuvers. BPPV was diagnosed according to the International diagnostic criteria of the Bárány Society. Telephone interviews were conducted at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after the first examination. RESULTS: Out of 117 patients, 21% developed traumatic BPPV within 3 months after the trauma. The corresponding numbers were 12% with minimal trauma, 24% with mild, and 40% with moderate trauma. The difference in prevalence between the groups was significant (P = .018). During the first 4 weeks after the trauma, it was observed 20, 3, 0, and 1 BPPV onsets, respectively. No BPPV cases were seen for the remainder of the 3-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: The risk of developing BPPV after minimal-to-moderate head trauma is considerable and related to trauma severity. Most cases occur within few days after the trauma, but any BPPV occurring within the first 2 weeks after head trauma are likely due to the traumatic event. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 132:443-448, 2022.

Dizziness and physical health are associated with pain in dizzy patients-A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Associations between dizziness, health-related quality of life, and musculoskeletal pain have not been systematically explored in patients with vestibular disorders. Such knowledge may be important for choice of treatments. The study objectives were to examine the extent and localization of musculoskeletal pain and explore whether pain was associated with dizziness and health-related quality of life. METHODS: The cross-sectional study investigated anonymized data from an earlier survey on patients with long-lasting dizziness (>3 months) examined in an oto-rhino-laryngological department. The sample includes patient between 18 and 70 years with Ménière's disease, vestibular schwannoma, benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, vestibular neuritis, non-otogenic dizziness, and cervicogenic dizziness. General musculoskeletal, that is, pain in muscles, tendons, and joints was registered by a yes/no question. A pain drawing registered localization of pain. Multiple binary logistic regression models were used to determine the association between pain and vertigo-balance and autonomic-anxiety related dizziness by the short Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) and sub-scales (VSS-V, VSS-A), and between pain and health-related quality of life by the SF-36, mental and physical component summary scale (SF-36 MCS, SF-36 PCS). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 503 patients, 60.2% were women, the median age was 50 years. General musculoskeletal pain was reported by 72.8% of patients, neck pain by 59.2% and widespread pain by 21.9%. Multiple binary logistic regression models demonstrated that all the pain measures were significantly associated with VSS-V and VSS-A and SF-36 PCS, but not SF-36 MCS. DISCUSSIONS: Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in patients with long-lasting dizziness. The strong associations between pain, VSS, and SF-36 PCS could result in a self-sustaining complex condition. The findings imply that in addition to assessing and treating the vestibular symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms and physical health should be addressed.

Long-Term Survival in 1,931 Patients With Dizziness: Disease- and Symptom-Specific Mortality.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mortality among patients referred for suspected vestibular disorder and to examine whether specific symptoms or disorders predict long-term survival among patients with dizziness or vertigo. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study analyzed long-term survival data. Consecutive patients examined for suspected vestibular disease at an otolaryngology clinic completed a detailed questionnaire regarding symptoms and comorbidities. RESULTS: The study included 1,931 patients. Their mean age (standard deviation) was 50.5 (16.5) years, and 60% were women. The mean follow-up period was 20.6 years (range, 15.3-27.5 years). The standardized mortality ratio for the entire cohort compared with the Norwegian age- and sex-matched population was 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94-1.12), illustrating no difference in overall survival. Patients with a cerebrovascular cause of dizziness had higher mortality in adjusted Cox regression analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 1.56, 95% CI: 1.11-2.19), whereas patients reporting periodic or short attacks of dizziness had lower mortality (HR 0.62 [0.50-0.77] and 0.76 [0.63-0.93], respectively). Reported unsteadiness between dizziness attacks was associated with higher mortality with an HR of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.08-1.57). CONCLUSION: This long-term study found comparable mortality rates between patients evaluated for suspected vestibular disorder and that of the general population. However, subgroup analyses showed reduced mortality in patients with periodic or short attacks of dizziness and increased mortality in patients with unsteadiness between attacks or cerebrovascular causes of dizziness. The time course of vestibular symptoms should be determined, and thorough evaluation including fall risk and comorbidities must be considered in patients with nonepisodic symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2031-E2037, 2021.

Treatment of horizontal canal BPPV-a randomized sham-controlled trial comparing two therapeutic maneuvers of different speeds.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of a high-speed barbecue maneuver with the modified Lempert maneuver and sham in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) of the horizontal canal. METHODS: Randomized sham-controlled, single blinded multicenter clinical trial in two university hospitals investigating consecutive patients with horizontal canal BPPV.Patients were randomly assigned to high-speed barbecue (HSB), modified Lempert maneuver (ML), or sham maneuver (SM). All treatments were performed in a biaxial rotational chair with weekly follow-up to a maximum of three treatment sessions. The final follow-up was 3 months after the last treatment. RESULTS: Primary outcome: 2-week recovery rate per protocol. Secondary outcome: Cumulative recovery rate and Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores after 3 months per protocol (HSB and ML) and intention to treat (all groups).Fifty-four patients were analyzed after 2 weeks (HSB = 17; ML = 20; SM = 17). Two-week recovery rate was 14/17 after HSB, 11/20 after ML, and 4/17 after SM, with significantly better recovery in HSB [OR 15.17, 95% CI (1.85, 124.63), P = .001] using sham as base level. Recovery rate after 3 months was 15/17 after HSB and 15/19 after ML. Cumulative recovery rate showed no significant differences between the two treatment groups [95% CI (0.30, 13.14), P = .46] in cure rate DHI [95% CI (-16.56, 15.02), P = .92]. No unexpected adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Velocity change in horizontal canal BPPV treatment gives a faster initial recovery. Rapid recovery could reduce the disease burden. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT01905800. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1b.

Evaluation of Self-reported Symptoms in 1,457 Dizzy Patients and Associations With Caloric Testing and Posturography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if symptoms regarding timing and triggers of dizziness are useful for categorizing patients with dizziness, and to evaluate how patient-reported symptoms predict vestibular asymmetry, postural sway, and vestibular diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients referred for suspected vestibular disease. INTERVENTIONS: Patients completed a symptom questionnaire before laboratory testing with static posturography and bithermal caloric tests. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Evaluate whether responses from a symptom questionnaire predict caloric asymmetry, postural balance, and diagnoses. RESULTS: One thousand four hundred fifty seven patients, 60.1% women, mean age 49.9 (±16.6) years were included. Vomiting was the strongest predictor for caloric asymmetry in adjusted analysis, odds ratio (OR): 1.60 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24-2.06), followed by chronic hearing loss OR: 1.59 (1.19-2.13). Patients who reported constant dizziness had impaired postural balance, quantified as 15% increase in postural sway in adjusted analyses (7.25-24.6%). We found no association between caloric asymmetry and postural instability with eyes closed. CONCLUSION: Most patients were able to describe the timing of their symptoms and a categorization based on timing seems feasible. There seemed to be an over-reporting of triggers and confirmatory testing of triggers is therefore advocated. Vomiting, but not nausea, was a strong indicator of vestibular disease in this primarily outpatient population. Caloric asymmetry and postural balance were not associated, and assessment of fall risk may be warranted in patients who reports constant dizziness, visual disturbances or dizziness triggered by light, darkness or sounds.

Efficacy of Vestibular Rehabilitation Following Acute Vestibular Neuritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a vestibular rehabilitation program started early after diagnosis of vestibular neuritis combined with standard care reduces dizziness and improves functions of daily life more effectively than standard care alone in patients with acute vestibular neuritis. STUDY DESIGN: Non-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 2 parallel groups. SETTING: Specialist centers in 2 university hospitals. PATIENTS: Patients, 18-70 years, with acute vestibular neuritis confirmed by videonystagmography. INTERVENTION: Standard care was 10 days of prednisolone, general information, and counseling given to all patients. In addition to standard care, the intervention group received supervised exercise therapy (vestibular rehabilitation). Vestibular rehabilitation was given in a group format, individually tailored, and supported by home exercises. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Perceived dizziness during head motion. Secondary outcomes were walking speed, standing balance, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Vertigo Symptom Scale, Visual Analog Scales (VASs), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), The University of California Los Angeles Dizziness Questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were included, 27 participated in the vestibular rehabilitation group. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of the vestibular rehabilitation group in overall perceived dizziness at 3 (p = 0.007) and 12 months (p = 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found in standing balance and walking speed. Results from self-report measures showed a statistically significant difference at 12 months in HADS (p = 0.039), DHI (p = 0.049) and VAS-C (p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: A vestibular rehabilitation program started early after confirmed vestibular neuritis diagnosis in addition to standard care reduces the perception of dizziness and improves functions of daily life more effectively than standard care alone.

Neck pain associated with clinical symptoms in dizzy patients-A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients suffer from concurrent neck pain and dizziness. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical symptoms and physical findings in patients with concurrent neck pain and dizziness and to examine whether they differ from patients with dizziness alone. METHODS: Consecutive patients with dizziness and neck pain were recruited from an ear-nose-throat department and a spine clinic. They were divided into three groups: patients with dizziness only (n = 100), patients with dizziness as their primary complaint and additional neck pain (n = 138) and finally, patients with neck pain as their primary complaint accompanied by additional dizziness (n = 55). The patients filled in questionnaires regarding their symptom quality, time-course, triggers of dizziness and the Vertigo Symptom Scale Short Form. The physical examination included Cervical Range of Motion, American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Tender Points, Cervical Pressure Pain Thresholds and Global Physiotherapy Examination 52-Flexibility. RESULTS: Both neck pain groups were more likely to have a gradual onset of dizziness symptoms, more light-headedness, visual disturbances, autonomic/anxiety symptoms, decreased cervical range of motion, decreased neck and shoulder flexibility and increased number of ACR tender points compared with patients with dizziness alone. The group having dizziness as their primary complaint and also reporting neck pain had the highest symptom severity and tended to report rocking vertigo and increased neck tenderness. The group with neck pain as their primary complaint was more likely to report headache. CONCLUSION: Neck pain is associated with certain dizziness characteristics, increased severity of dizziness and increased physical impairment when compared with dizzy patients without neck pain.

Symptom severity and quality of life in patients with concurrent neck pain and dizziness.

Purpose: There is little knowledge on how neck pain impacts dizzy patients, and if different diagnoses of dizziness associate with neck pain. The aim was to examine differences in dizziness severity, quality of life and demographics in dizzy patients with and without neck pain. Additionally, we examined if neck pain was associated with a non-vestibular or vestibular diagnosis.Methods: We included 236 consecutive patients referred to an otorhinolaryngological university clinic for vertigo and balance problems. The patients were divided in two groups: Patients with and without neck pain. Patient-reported outcomes measures were the Dizziness Handicap Inventory, RAND-12, neck pain and symptom duration.Results: A total of 59% of the patients reported neck pain. Patients with neck pain reported poorer quality of life (p < .001) and worse handicap due to dizziness (p < .001). There were no associations between reported neck pain and dizziness of non-vestibular or vestibular origin (p = .29).Conclusion: Neck pain is a common complaint among dizzy patients. Patients with concurrent dizziness and neck pain should warrant attention due to poorer general and dizziness-related quality of life. This finding appears unrelated to whether or not they receive a peripheral vestibular diagnosis.IMPLICATION FOR REHABILITATIONNeck pain is common in patients with dizziness and associated with higher dizziness handicap and lower quality of life.Neck pain should be addressed specifically in patients assessed for dizziness, irrespective of diagnosis.Further research is needed to better understand the interactions between neck pain and dizziness.

Clinical characteristics in patients with cervicogenic dizziness: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cervicogenic dizziness (CD) is a clinical syndrome of dizziness associated with neck dysfunction. CD represents a considerable diagnostic challenge since dizziness and neck pain are common symptoms with complex and multifactorial etiologies. Both research and clinical work on CD is limited by the lack of accepted diagnostic criteria. The aim of this study was to review clinical studies on CD and to assess current evidence regarding the clinical characteristics of this syndrome. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed and MEDLINE search was conducted from the date of inception of the database, with the last search conducted in September 2018. Included studies had to contain operable diagnostic criteria as well as a comparison between patients considered to have CD and a clinical comparison group. Data extracted were clinical outcomes, diagnostic criteria, age, sex, and sample size. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: Out of 2161 screened studies, eight studies comprising 225 patients met the inclusion criteria. Studies were of low to acceptable methodological quality. The most frequent and consistent clinical characteristic in patients classified as having CD, compared with other populations, was reduced posturographic stability. The most consistent diagnostic criteria were based on the concurrence of neck pain with dizziness after exclusion of other possible reasons for dizziness. CONCLUSION: There are few studies examining clinical characteristics in patients with cervicogenic dizziness. Altered posturography appeared to be the only consistent characteristic used when distinguishing CD from other populations. Diagnostic criteria currently used in research are likely to have low specificity, since they rest on the exclusion of other causes rather than on positive distinctive features. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical interrelations between dizziness and neck pain.

Long-term Effects of Conservative Management of Vestibular Schwannoma on Dizziness, Balance, and Caloric Function.

OBJECTIVES: To study the development of dizziness, caloric function, and postural sway during long-term observation of untreated vestibular schwannoma patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained longitudinal cohort. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients with vestibular schwannoma undergoing wait-and-scan management were included-specifically, those who did not require treatment during a minimum radiologic follow-up of 1 year. Baseline data and follow-up included magnetic resonance imaging, posturography, bithermal caloric tests, and a dizziness questionnaire. Main outcomes were prevalence of moderate to severe dizziness, canal paresis, and postural instability at baseline and follow-up, as compared with McNemar's test. RESULTS: Out of 433 consecutive patients with vestibular schwannoma, 114 did not require treatment during follow-up and were included. Median radiologic follow-up was 10.2 years (interquartile range, 4.5 years). Age ranged from 31 to 78 years (mean, 59 years; SD, 10 years; 62% women). Median tumor volume at baseline was 139 mm3 (interquartile range, 314 mm3). This did not change during follow-up (P = .446). Moderate to severe dizziness was present in 27% at baseline and 19% at follow-up (P = .077). Postural unsteadiness was present in 17% at baseline and 21% at follow-up (P = .424). Canal paresis was present in 51% at baseline and 56% at follow-up (P = .664). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant change in the prevalence of dizziness, postural sway, or canal paresis during conservative management of vestibular schwannoma, while tumor volume remained unchanged. This indicates a favorable prognosis in these patients with regard to vestibular symptoms.

Dizziness handicap and clinical characteristics of posterior and lateral canal BPPV.

PURPOSE: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is diagnosed and divided into subtypes based on positioning vertigo and nystagmus. Whether these subtypes entail any significant differences in patient-reported symptoms; is yet not known. Such differences may have clinical and therapeutic consequences. Our aim was to assess dizziness handicap and clinical characteristics of posterior and lateral canal BPPV. METHODS: This prospective observational multicentre study analysed consecutive patients with BPPV, confirmed by standardized procedures including videonystagmography under diagnostic manoeuvres in a biaxial rotational chair. Patients were screened for other neurological and otological disorders. OUTCOMES: Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), posterior vs. lateral canal involvement. FACTORS: age, gender, positional nystagmus intensity (maximum slow-phase velocity), symptom duration, 25-hydroxyvitamin D-level and traumatic aetiology. RESULTS: 132 patients aged 27-90 (mean 57, SD 13) years were included. Higher DHI scores were associated with lateral canal BPPV [95% CI (1.59-13.95), p = 0.01] and female gender [95% CI (0.74-15.52), p = 0.03]. Lateral canal BPPV was associated with longer symptom duration [OR 1.10, CI (1.03-1.17), p = 0.01] and lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D-levels [OR 0.80, CI (0.67-0.95), p = 0.03]. There was no correlation between DHI scores and nystagmus intensity. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that patients with lateral canal BPPV have increased patient-perceived disability, lower vitamin D-levels and longer duration of symptoms. This subtype might therefore require closer follow-up. Patient-perceived disability is not related to positional nystagmus intensity.

Hearing as an Independent Predictor of Postural Balance in 1075 Patients Evaluated for Dizziness.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between hearing and postural balance. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care otolaryngology clinic. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Patients examined for suspected vestibular disorder were included in this study. The outcome variable was postural sway measured by static posturography during quiet standing with eyes closed. The predictor variable was pure-tone average hearing threshold on the best hearing ear at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz. Covariates were age, sex, and vestibular disease or vestibular asymmetry assessed by bithermal caloric irrigation. RESULTS: In total, 1075 patients were included. Increased hearing threshold was a strong predictor of increased postural sway (path length) after correcting for age and sex. A 10-dB increase in hearing loss on the best hearing ear predicted a mean 6.0% increase in path length (confidence interval, 2.9%-9.3%, P < .001). Of the covariates, increasing age (P < .001) and male sex (P = .009) were significant predictors of increased postural sway. The effect of increased hearing threshold was also significant after adjusting for vestibular disease. CONCLUSION: Increased hearing threshold was an independent predictor of increased postural instability, and this effect was strongest for the best hearing ear. Unilateral vestibular disease did not seem to explain this association between hearing and postural balance. Reduced hearing is associated with impaired balance, and interventions to prevent falls should be considered for patients at risk.