[Vertigo and dizziness in child: a clinical analysis in 120 cases].

Objective: To investigate the disease composition, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment characteristics of vertigo in children. Methods: A total of 120 children with vertigo diagnosed and treated in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics in Beijing from February 2018 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed to explore the clinical characteristics of common peripheral vertigo in children and to summarize the experience of diagnosis and treatment. Results: The etiological composition of 120 cases of vertigo in children are as follows: 63 (52.5%) cases of vestibular migraine of childhood (VMC), 19 (15.8%) of recurrent vertigo of childhood (RVC), 11 (9.2%) of probable vestibular migraine of childhood (PVMC), 10 (8.3%) of secretory otitis media (SOM), 6 (5.0%) of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), 4 (3.3%) of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), 2 (1.7%) of vestibular neuritis (VN), 2 (1.7%) of Meniere's disease (MD), 2 (1.7%) of inner ear malformation (IEM), and 1 (0.8%) of vestibular paroxysmal syndrome (VP).The major cause of vertigo in children of different ages was different. SOM was the most important cause in preschool children, followed by RVC and VMC; VMC was the most important cause in school-age children, followed by RVC; and MD and BPPV were exclusive found in adolescents. The incidence rate of PPPD was higher in adolescents than in preschool and school-age children. Children with vertigo had good prognosis in general. Conclusions: VMC, RVC and SOM are the most common causes in vertigo in children, and their proportion was different in different aged children. Transforming abstract feelings into specific information is the skill required for collecting medical history of children with vertigo. Considering the age and cooperation of children, appropriate hearing and vestibular examination techniques are recommended. We should pay more attention to the mental health of children with vertigo and their parents.

Prevalence and risk factors of self-reported hearing loss, tinnitus, and dizziness in a population-based sample from rural northeastern Germany.

A close anatomical and physiological relationship is known between the senses of hearing and balance, while an additional pathophysiological interaction is supposed. The mechanisms underlying this association are not yet fully understood, especially in individuals without a known specific otologic disorder. In particular, only scarce information on the combined occurrence of audiovestibular sensory impairment is available so far. Therefore, this study aims to provide further insight into the prevalence and co-prevalence of the audiovestibular symptoms hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness. Additionally, the influence of potential risk factors from lifestyle habits as well as cardiovascular and metabolic conditions on the development of those symptoms is studied. Data was analyzed from 8134 individuals from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP). SHIP pursues a broad and comprehensive examination program in chronologically separated cohorts with longitudinal follow-up. Cohorts are sampled from Western Pomerania, a rural region of north-eastern Germany. The study population represents a cross-sectional analysis from the cohorts SHIP-START (recruited 1997-2001) and SHIP-TREND (recruited 2008-2012), sampled for baseline investigations (SHIP-START-0 and SHIP-TREND-0) at the age of 20-79 years. Audiovestibular symptoms as outcome variables were assessed by structured questionnaires. Additionally, individuals were comprehensively characterized regarding modifiable lifestyle factors as well as cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, allowing the assessment of their role as exposure variables. We calculated a weighted prevalence of 14.2% for hearing loss, 9.7% for tinnitus, and 13.5% for dizziness in the population. Prevalence increased with age and differed among the sexes. A considerable share of 28.0% of the investigated individuals reported more than one symptom at once. The prevalence of hearing loss as well as tinnitus increased between the two cohorts. A moderate positive correlation was found between the occurrence of hearing loss and tinnitus (phi-coefficient 0.318). In multivariable regression analyses, education was identified as a significant protective factor while only smoking was significantly associated with all three symptoms. Furthermore, several cardiovascular risk factors contributed to both hearing loss and dizziness. In conclusion, audiovestibular symptoms are highly prevalent in the investigated population. A considerable but complex influence of risk factors points towards a relation with neuronal as well as cardiovascular disease processes. To clarify the underlying mechanisms, the interaction between the senses of hearing and balance as well as the mode of action of the risk factors should be evaluated in more detail in the future.

Latent class analysis of migraine associated vestibular-auditory symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the potential subgroups of migraines based on the patterns of migraine associated symptoms, vestibular and auditory symptoms using latent class analysis and to explore their characteristics. METHOD: A total of 555 patients with migraine participated in the study. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia, osmophobia, visual symptoms, vestibular symptoms (dizziness, vertigo), and auditory symptoms (tinnitus, hearing loss, aural fullness) were assessed. Latent class analysis was performed to identify subgroups of migraines. Covariates such as gender, age of migraine onset, frequency of migraine attacks per month, and family history were also considered. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four latent classes: the Prominent Vestibular; Prominent Nausea; Presenting Symptoms but not prominent or dominant; and Sensory Hypersensitivity groups. Various covariates, such as gender, age of migraine onset, and frequency of migraine attacks, demonstrated significant differences among the four groups. The Sensory Hypersensitivity group showed the presence of multiple sensory symptoms, earlier age of migraine onset, and higher proportion of females. The Prominent Vestibular group had the highest probability of dizziness or vertigo but lacked the presence of auditory symptoms. The Prominent Nausea group exhibited prominent nausea. The Presenting Symptoms but not prominent or dominant group comprised individuals with the highest migraine attacks per month and proportion of chronic migraine. CONCLUSION: This study identifies four subgroups of migraines based on the patterns of symptoms. The findings suggest potential different but overlapped mechanisms behind the vestibular and auditory symptoms of migraine. Considering the different patterns of migraine-related symptoms may provide deeper insights for patients' prognosis and clinical decision-making.

Functional Status in Relation to Common Geriatric Syndromes and Sociodemographic Variables - A Step Forward Towards Healthy Aging.

Purpose: Geriatric syndromes (GS) are prevalent in the older population, with an impact on morbidity and disability. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of functional dependence and ten GS in community older adults and to examine the different associations between these syndromes and sociodemographic variables and their impact on functional dependence. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 342 outpatients seen at the geriatric clinic in the period 2015-2023. Results: The mean age was 75±7.4. One-third had functional dependence and 96.2% had at least one GS. The mean number of GS was 3.11±1.74, ranging from 2.56±1.67 in the 60s to 3.55±1.70 in octogenarians. The most common GS found were polypharmacy (79.5%), musculoskeletal pain (49.7%), and Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) (32.7%). Polypharmacy was significantly associated with female sex and chronic pain, whereas sensory impairment was associated with male sex. MND, dizziness, and urinary incontinence were the only GS that significantly predicted functional dependence and were typically associated with increasing age. Conclusion: Functional dependence increases as individuals age, paralleled by increases in MND, urinary incontinence, dizziness, sensory impairment, and constipation. Notably, only MND, incontinence, depression, and dizziness were significant predictors of functional dependence. Consequently, it is imperative to screen older adults presenting with these syndromes for early signs of functional decline to optimize their function and avert subsequent dependence, morbidity, and mortality.

Assessing the impact of migraine on benign paroxysmal positional vertigo symptoms and recovery.

BACKGROUND: During episodes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), individuals with migraine, compared with individuals without migraine, may experience more severe vestibular symptoms because of their hyperexcitable brain structures, more adverse effects on quality of life, and worse recovery processes from BPPV. METHODS: All patients with BPPV were assigned to the migraine group (MG, n = 64) and without migraine group (BPPV w/o MG, n = 64) and completed the Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS), Vertigo Dizziness Imbalance Symptom Scale (VDI-SS), VDI Health-Related Quality of Life Scale (VDI-HRQoLS), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at the time of BPPV diagnosis (baseline) and on the one-month follow-up. Headache Impact Test-6 and Migraine Disability Assessment Scale were used for an assessment of headache. Motion sickness was evaluated based on the statement of each patient as present or absent. RESULTS: Compared with the BPPV w/o MG, the MG had higher VSS scores at baseline [19.5 (10.7) vs. 11.3 (8.5); p < 0.001] and on one-month follow-up [10.9 (9.3) vs. 2.2 (2.7), p < 0.001]; experienced more severe dizziness and imbalance symptoms based on the VDI-SS at baseline (61.9% vs. 77.3%; p < 0.001) and after one month (78.9% vs. 93.7%, p < 0.001); and more significantly impaired quality of life according to the VDI-HRQoLS at baseline (77.4% vs. 91.8%, p < 0.001) and after one month (86.3% vs. 97.6%, p < 0.001). On the one-month follow-up, the subgroups of patients with moderate and severe scores of the BAI were higher in the MG (39.2%, n = 24) than in the BPPV w/o MG (21.8%, n = 14) and the number of patients who had normal scores of the BDI was lower in the MG than in the BPPV w/o MG (67.1% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Clinicians are advised to inquire about migraine when evaluating patients with BPPV because it may lead to more intricate and severe clinical presentation. Further studies will be elaborated the genuine nature of the causal relationship between migraine and BPPV.

Prevalence survey and psychometric measurement of vertigo and dizziness in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and psychometric properties of vertigo and dizziness in an obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) population. METHODS: Five hundred and twelve OSA patients and 53 controls were enroled. All eligible subjects were asked to complete the basic information questionnaire, the Chinese version of Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living (VADL-C), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale. RESULTS: Among 512 enroled OSA patients, a 22.46% (115) prevalence of vertigo and dizziness was found. The scores of the VADL-C, DHI and ABC of the study group were significantly worse (p < .001) than those of the control group, while the abnormal rates of the three scales in the study group were higher than those of the control group. In the study group, the results of the VADL-C were correlated with those of the DHI (r = .55, p < .001) and inversely correlated with those of the ABC (r = -.50, p < .001), and the results of the DHI were inversely correlated with those of the ABC (r = -.60, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of vertigo and dizziness in the OSA population was detected. Psychometric results showed that vertigo and dizziness in OSA patients led to changes in activities of daily living, increased frequency of somatic symptoms, and reduced balance confidence. In the diagnosis and treatment of OSA patients, the occurrence of vertigo and dizziness is worth clinicians' attention.

Post-earthquake dizziness and its psychiatric comorbidities among adolescents following the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquakes in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, have detrimental effects on mental health. The occurrence of dizziness following earthquakes, termed post-earthquake dizziness syndrome (PEDS), has been noted in the epicenter and surrounding areas. The current study aimed to explore the prevalence of PEDS and its association with psychiatric disorders among adolescents. METHODS: The sample consisted of 100 adolescents, aged 10-17 years, who had no history of vertigo or dizziness and were treated at a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic. RESULTS: In the aftermath of the earthquake, 68.0% of the adolescents reported experiencing PEDS. A higher prevalence of PEDS was found among female adolescents compared to males. The most frequently reported symptom of PEDS was a sensation of ground shaking, typically experienced indoors within a week following the earthquake. Unpaired t-test analysis revealed that adolescents with PEDS had significantly higher scores on scales measuring panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to those without PEDS. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the findings highlight the potential association between PEDS and psychiatric disorders in adolescents. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive, necessitating further research to elucidate the connections between PEDS and psychiatric conditions for more effective treatment strategies.

Vestibular migraine: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We performed a narrative review of the recent findings in epidemiology, clinical presentation, mechanisms and treatment of vestibular migraine. RECENT FINDINGS: Vestibular migraine is an underdiagnosed condition that has a high prevalence among general, headache and neuro-otology clinics. Vestibular migraine has a bimodal presentation probably associated with a hormonal component in women. These patients could have a complex clinical phenotype including concomitant autonomic, inflammatory or connective tissue conditions that have a higher prevalence of psychological symptoms, which may mistakenly lead to a diagnosis of a functional neurological disorder. A high proportion of patients with postural perceptual persistent dizziness have a migraine phenotype. Independently of the clinical presentation and past medical history, patients with the vestibular migraine phenotype can respond to regular migraine preventive treatments, including those targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide pathways. SUMMARY: Vestibular migraine is an underdiagnosed migraine phenotype that shares the pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine, with growing interest in recent years. A thorough anamnesis is essential to increase sensitivity in patients with unknown cause of dizziness and migraine treatment should be considered (see supplemental video-abstract).

Ten-year association between change in speech-in-noise recognition and falls due to balance problems: a longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the relationship between speech-in-noise recognition and incident/recurrent falls due to balance problems ten years later (RQ-1); 10-year change in speech-in-noise recognition and falls (RQ-2a), as well as the role of dizziness in this relationship (RQ-2b). The association between hearing aid use and falls was also examined (RQ-3). METHODS: Data was collected from the Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing between 2006 and December 2022. Participants completed an online survey and digits-in-noise test every five years. For this study, data was divided into two 10-year follow-up time intervals: T0 (baseline) to T2 (10-year follow-up), and T1 (5-years) to T3 (15-years). For all RQs, participants aged ≥ 40 years at baseline, without congenital hearing loss, and non-CI users were eligible (n = 592). Additionally, for RQ-3 participants with a speech reception threshold in noise (SRTn) ≥ -5.5 dB signal-to-noise ratio were included (n = 422). Analyses used survey variables on hearing, dizziness, falls due to balance problems, chronic health conditions, and psychosocial health. Logistic regressions using General Estimating Equations were conducted to assess all RQs. RESULTS: Among individuals with obesity, those with poor baseline SRTn had a higher odds of incident falls ten years later (odds ratio (OR):14.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2.12, 103]). A 10-year worsening of SRTn was significantly associated with a higher odds of recurrent (OR: 2.20, 95% CI [1.03, 4.71]) but not incident falls. No interaction was found between dizziness and change in SRTn. Hearing aid use (no use/ < 2 years use vs. ≥ 2 years) was not significantly associated with incident nor recurrent falls. Although there was a significant interaction with sex for this association, the effect of hearing aid use on incident/recurrent falls was not statistically significant among males nor females. CONCLUSIONS: A longitudinal association between the deterioration in SRTn and recurrent falls due to balance problems after 10 years was confirmed in this study. This result stresses the importance of identifying declines in hearing earlier and justifies including hearing ability assessments within fall risk prevention programs. Mixed results of hearing aid use on fall risk warrant further investigation into the temporality of this association and possible differences between men and women.

Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Chronic Dizziness, and Sleep Duration.

BACKGROUND: Although it is recommended that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) be screened for using a validated self-report questionnaire in patients experiencing dizziness, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between high risk of OSA and chronic dizziness. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine the relationship between the high risk of OSA and chronic dizziness and investigate how this relationship is affected by sleep duration. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021). Adults aged 40 years or older were included and divided into two groups using the STOP-Bang Questionnaire (SBQ): a high-risk group for OSA or not. Complex samples logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the odds ratios of chronic dizziness based on the national population estimates. RESULTS: Our findings showed that individuals in the high-risk group for OSA were significantly more likely to experience chronic dizziness. Specifically, among subgroups based on sleep duration, the high-risk group for OSA with a short sleep duration of ≤5 hours demonstrated the highest odds of chronic dizziness, showing a significantly 2.48-fold increased likelihood compared to the non-high risk for OSA with a sleep duration of 5-9 hours. DISCUSSION: The SBQ can be beneficial when other causes do not explain chronic dizziness, helping to rule in the possibility of OSA. Educating individuals suspected of having OSA or who have been diagnosed with OSA about the importance of adequate sleep duration may help reduce the risk of chronic dizziness.

Clinical characteristics of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness and its visual subtype in Korean patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic functional vestibular disorder for which the Bárány Society has established diagnostic criteria. This nationwide multicenter study aims to investigate the clinical features of individuals with definite PPPD and clinical variant PPPD who do not fully meet the diagnostic criteria, with a particular focus on visual exaggeration. METHODS: Between September 2020 and September 2021, a total of 76 individuals with definite PPPD and 109 individuals with clinical variant PPPD who did not meet all three exacerbating factors outlined in Criterion B were recruited from 18 medical centers in South Korea. The study gathered information on demographic factors, clinical manifestations, balance scales, and personality assessments. RESULTS: Comparative analysis between groups with definite PPPD and clinical variant with visual exacerbation revealed no significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics, clinical course, dizziness impact, and specific precipitants. Only disease duration was significantly longer in definite PPPD compared with variant with visual exacerbation. However, the variant without visual exacerbation displayed significantly reduced rates of panic disorder, diminished space-motion discomfort, lesser impact of dizziness, and decreased prevalence of depression when compared with the definitive PPPD. CONCLUSION: This is the first comprehensive nationwide study examining clinical features of both definite PPPD patients and its clinical variants, considering visual exacerbating factors. Differences in dizziness and personality traits emerged between definite PPPD and its potential variant without visual issues. Our results highlight the possibility of a distinct clinical variant of PPPD influenced by visual dependency.

Clinical Characteristics and Relevance of Dizziness in Patients with de novo Parkinson's Disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the detailed characteristics of dizziness in patients with de novo Parkinson's disease (PD) and the clinical implications of dizziness. METHODS: Ninety-three people with de novo PD were enrolled between July 2017 and August 2022 for this retrospective study. Using each representative scale, various motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed. In addition, clinical manifestations of dizziness in those patients, including its presence, type, frequency, and duration of occurrence, were investigated. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with de novo PD reported dizziness, with presyncope being the most common (38%). The most common frequency was several times a week (51%). The most common duration was a few seconds (67%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that dizziness was more common in women than in men {odds ratio (OR): 3.3601, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0820-10.4351, p = 0.0361}. Dizziness was significantly related to non-motor symptoms of low global cognition (OR: 0.8372, 95% CI: 0.7285-0.9622, p = 0.0123) and severe autonomic dysfunction (OR: 1.1112, 95% CI: 1.0297-1.1991, p = 0.0067). A post-hoc analysis revealed that dizziness was only associated with cardiovascular dysautonomia (adjusted OR: 10.2377, 95% CI: 3.3053-31.7098, p < 0.0001) among several domains of dysautonomia. CONCLUSIONS: About 42% of patients with de novo PD complained of dizziness. The occurrence of dizziness in those people was highly associated with female gender women, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular dysautonomia. These results suggest that clinicians should pay close attention when patients with PD complain of dizziness.

Psychosocial Factors Associated with dizziness and chronic dizziness: a nationwide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Dizziness is a common symptom in adults, and chronic dizziness, such as persistent postural-perceptual dizziness, is also frequently reported and affects the quality of life of patients. This study aimed to identify psychosocial factors related to dizziness and chronic dizziness in a large-scale nationwide cohort. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study used the database of the Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2020. Data from 4,147 adults over 40 years old were analyzed, and 1,102 adults who experienced dizziness were included in the dizziness cohort. Demographic data, medical conditions, comorbidities, functional status variables, nutritional variables and psychological variables were collected. The pattern of depressive symptoms according to the severity of dizziness was analyzed by network analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of dizziness was 24.6% in the general population, and chronic dizziness (≥ 3 months) developed in 210 of 1,102 (17.1%) individuals who experienced dizziness. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female sex, stress, and depression were associated with dizziness. Chronic dizziness was related to tympanic abnormalities, diabetes, short sleep duration, and higher levels of stress and depression. Psychomotor retardation/agitation was a central symptom of depression in patients with chronic dizziness. CONCLUSIONS: This study found sex differences in factors associated with dizziness and identified psychosocial factors linked to chronic dizziness. Focusing on somatic factors rather than depressive symptoms may benefit patients with chronic dizziness.

Probabilities of Isolated and Co-Occurring Vestibular Disorder Symptom Clusters Identified Using the Dizziness Symptom Profile.

OBJECTIVES: Dizziness is among the most common reasons people seek medical care. There are data indicating patients with dizziness, unsteadiness, or vertigo may have multiple underlying vestibular disorders simultaneously contributing to the overall symptoms. Greater awareness of the probability that a patient will present with symptoms of co-occurring vestibular disorders has the potential to improve assessment and management, which could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient quality of life. The purpose of the current investigation was to determine the probabilities that a patient presenting to a clinic for vestibular function testing has symptoms of an isolated vestibular disorder or co-occurring vestibular disorders. DESIGN: All patients who are seen for vestibular function testing in our center complete the dizziness symptom profile, a validated self-report measure, before evaluation with the clinician. For this retrospective study, patient scores on the dizziness symptom profile, patient age, and patient gender were extracted from the medical record. The dizziness symptom profile includes symptom clusters specific to six disorders that cause vestibular symptoms, specifically: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular migraine, vestibular neuritis, superior canal dehiscence, Meniere disease, and persistent postural perceptual dizziness. For the present study, data were collected from 617 participants (mean age = 56 years, 376 women, and 241 men) presenting with complaints of vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance. Patients were evaluated in a tertiary care dizziness specialty clinic from October 2020 to October 2021. Self-report data were analyzed using a Bayesian framework to determine the probabilities of reporting symptom clusters specific to an isolated disorder and co-occurring vestibular disorders. RESULTS: There was a 42% probability of a participant reporting symptoms that were not consistent with any of the six vestibular disorders represented in the dizziness symptom profile. Participants were nearly as likely to report symptom clusters of co-occurring disorders (28%) as they were to report symptom clusters of an isolated disorder (30%). When in isolation, participants were most likely to report symptom clusters consistent with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and vestibular migraine, with estimated probabilities of 12% and 10%, respectively. The combination of co-occurring disorders with the highest probability was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo + vestibular migraine (~5%). Probabilities decreased as number of symptom clusters on the dizziness symptom profile increased. The probability of endorsing vestibular migraine increased with the number of symptom clusters reported. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients reported symptoms of more than one vestibular disorder, suggesting their symptoms were not sufficiently captured by the symptom clusters used to summarize any single vestibular disorder covered by the dizziness symptom profile. Our results indicate that probability of symptom clusters indicated by the dizziness symptom profile is comparable to prior published work on the prevalence of vestibular disorders. These findings support use of this tool by clinicians to assist with identification of symptom clusters consistent with isolated and co-occurring vestibular disorders.

The TriAGe + score for vertigo or dizziness: A validation study in a university hospital emergency department in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with dizziness commonly present to Emergency Departments (ED) and 6% of these patients will be diagnosed with acute stroke. The TriAGe+ score comprises of eight clinical parameters and stratifies patients into four risk groups. The Japanese authors reported that the tool performed well, so our aim was to validate this diagnostic tool in our ED in Hong Kong. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted in the ED of our university hospital in Hong Kong. The primary outcome was the diagnosis of an acute cerebrovascular event. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the best cut-off score. Secondary outcomes included univariable and multivariable analyses of stroke predictors. RESULTS: 455 patients aged 18 years or above with dizziness or vertigo at ED triage were recruited between 19 July and 30 September 2021. The overall prevalence of stroke was 11.9%. The median TriAGe+ score was 7 (IQR = 4-9). The AUC was 0.9. At a cut-off >5, sensitivity was 96.4% (95%CI: 87.3-99.5) and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.09 (95%CI: 0.02-0.3). At a cut-off >10, specificity was 99.8% (95%CI: 98.6-100.0), and the positive likelihood ratio was 237.6 (95%CI: 33.1-1704). On multivariable analyses, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, gender, dizziness (not vertigo) and no history of dizziness, vertigo or labyrinth/vestibular disease were found to be positively associated with stroke outcomes significantly. CONCLUSION: The TriAGe+ score is an efficient stroke prediction score for patients presenting to the ED with dizziness.

Do monosymptomatic stroke patients with dizziness present a vestibular syndrome without nystagmus? An underestimated entity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vestibular symptoms are common in emergency department (ED) patients and have various causes, including stroke. Accurate identification of stroke in patients with vestibular symptoms is crucial for timely management. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from 2015 to 2019 to determine stroke prevalence and associated symptoms in ED patients with vestibular symptoms, aiming to improve diagnosis and outcomes. METHODS: As part of the DETECT project, we screened 1647 ED patients with acute vestibular symptoms. Following a retrospective analysis of 961 head and neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, we included 122 confirmed stroke cases and assessed them for vestibular signs and symptoms. RESULTS: Stroke prevalence in dizzy patients was 13% (122/961 MRI scans). Most patients (95%) presented with acute vestibular symptoms with or without nystagmus, whereas 5% had episodic vestibular syndrome (EVS). Nystagmus was present in 50% of stroke patients. Eighty percent had a purely posterior circulation stroke, and nystagmus was absent in 46% of these patients. Seven patients (6%) had lesions in both the anterior and posterior circulation. Vertigo was experienced by 52% regardless of territory. CONCLUSIONS: A stroke was identified in 13% of ED patients presenting with acute vestibular symptoms. In 5%, it was EVS. Most strokes were in the posterior circulation territory; vertigo occurred with similar frequency in anterior and posterior circulation stroke, and absence of nystagmus was common in both.

Ocorrência e caracterização da tontura em idosos atendidos em uma Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) / Occurrence and characterization of dizziness in the elderly assisted in a Family Health Strategy (FHS) / Ocurrencia y caracterización de mareos en ancianos asistidos en una Estrategia de Salud Familiar (ESF)

Introdução: A tontura é vista como um dos sintomas mais comuns na população em geral, ocorrendo com maior incidência na população idosa que frequentemente apresenta distúrbios do equilíbrio e comprometimento do sistema vestibular. A caracterização de um grupo de idosos da região centro sul do estado do Paraná com relação à ocorrência de tontura tem sua importância a fim de viabilizar a promoção de ações que visem um cuidado ampliado a esta população por parte da Atenção Básica. Objetivo: caracterizar as relações da queixa de tontura, sua autopercepção dos efeitos incapacitantes, o auto relato de uso de medicamentos e ocorrência de quedas em idosos atendidos por uma equipe de Estratégia Saúde da Família. Método: Setenta e cinco idosos de ambos os sexos foram questionados sobre presença de tontura; os que a referiram, foram submetidos ao Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) na versão brasileira e a um questionário para caracterização do sintoma. Resultados: Dos 75 idosos questionados, 42 (56,00%) relataram queixa de tontura, a média etária foi de 67,61±5,68 anos (média ± desvio padrão), sendo 25 (59,52%) do sexo feminino e 17 (40,48%) do masculino. O escore total médio do DHI foi de 12,52±6,80 pontos no domínio físico, de 11,90±7,93 pontos no domínio funcional, 9,33±8,25 pontos no domínio emocional e 33,67±21,05 pontos no domínio total. Conclusão: A tontura, caracterizada por impacto moderado, de tipo não rotatória, de persistência superior a 12 meses e associada com uso de polifármacos, foi um sintoma frequente na população idosa deste estudo, sobretudo no sexo feminino. A auto percepção de qualidade de vida indicou diminuição no domínio físico impactando negativamente nas atividades cotidianas.

Introduction: Dizziness is seen as one of the most common symptoms in the general population, occurring with a greater incidence in the elderly population, which frequently presents balance disorders and impaired vestibular systems. The characterization of a group of elderly people in the south central region of the Brazilian state of Paraná in relation to the occurrence of dizziness has its importance in order to enable a promotion of actions that aim an expanded care for this population by Primary Care. Objective: to characterize the relation between the dizziness complaints, their self-perception of the disabling effects, the self-report of medication use and the occurrence of falls in the elderly assisted by a Family Health Strategy team .Method: Seventy-five elderly people of both genders were asked about the presence of dizziness; those who reported it were submitted to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) in the Brazilian version and a questionnaire to characterize the symptom. Results: In 75 elderly people questioned, 42 (56.00%) reported complaints of dizziness, the average age was 67.61 ± 5.68 years (mean ± standard deviation), 25 (59.52%) being female and 17 (40.48%) were male. The mean total DHI score was 12.52 ± 6.80 points in the physical domain, 11.90 ± 7.93 points in the functional domain, 9.33 ± 8.25 points in the emotional domain and 33.67 ± 21, 05 points in the total domain. Conclusion: Dizziness, characterized by moderate impact, of a non-rotating type, persisting for more than 12 months and associated with the use of polypharmaceuticals, was a frequent symptom in the elderly population of this study, especially in females. The self-perception of quality of life indicated a reduction in the physical domain, negatively impacting daily activities.

Introducción: Se considera que los mareos son uno de los síntomas más comunes en la población en general, y se producen con mayor incidencia en la población de edad avanzada, que con frecuencia presenta trastornos del equilibrio y deterioro del sistema vestibular. La caracterización de un grupo de ancianos de la región centro-sur del estado de Paraná en relación con la aparición de mareos, tiene su importancia para permitir la promoción de acciones encaminadas a una atención prolongada de esta población por parte de la Atención Básica. Objetivo: Caracterizar las relaciones de la queja de mareo, su autopercepción de los efectos incapacitantes, la auto información sobre el uso de medicamentos y la ocurrencia de caídas en ancianos atendidos por un equipo de Estrategia de Salud Familiar. Método: Se interrogó a 75 hombres y mujeres de edad avanzada sobre la presencia de mareo; los que lo mencionaron fueron sometidos al Inventario de Discapacidades por Mareos (DHI) en la versión brasileña y a un cuestionario para caracterizar el síntoma. Resultados: De los 75 ancianos interrogados, 42 (56,00%) informaron de mareos, la edad media fue de 67,61 ± 5,68 años (media ± desviación estándar), siendo 25 (59,52%) mujeres y 17 (40,48%) hombres. La media total de la puntuación del DHI fue de 12,52±6,80 puntos en el dominio físico, 11,90±7,93 puntos en el dominio funcional, 9,33±8,25 puntos en el dominio emocional y 33,67±21,05 puntos en el dominio total. Conclusión: El mareo, caracterizado por un impacto moderado, de tipo no rotacional, con persistencia superior a 12 meses y asociado al uso de poli farmacéuticos, fue un síntoma frecuente en la población de edad avanzada de este estudio, especialmente en las mujeres. La autopercepción de la calidad de vida indicaba una disminución del dominio físico, lo que afectaba negativamente a las actividades cotidianas.

Descripción de los trastornos del equilibrio en la Unidad de Otoneurología del Hospital Clínico Herminda Martín / Description of balance disorders in the otoneurology unit of the Hospital Clinico Herminda Martin

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los trastornos del equilibrio constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de patologías. Son patologías frecuentes en medicina, representando una carga asistencial significativa en los distintos niveles de atención. En ese sentido, los estudios de frecuencia son una herramienta para entender patrones de enfermedad, como también la evaluación y planificación de una red asistencial. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo transversal sobre pacientes que asistieron al policlínico de otoneurología del Hospital Clínico Herminda Martin con motivo de consulta síntomas vestibulares durante el año 2018. Resultados: 183 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, 78% (n=143) del sexo femenino y 22% (n=40) del masculino. Con una edad promedio de 58 años. El diagnóstico otoneurológico más frecuente fue vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno 34,97% (n=64), seguido de migraña vestibular 7,1% (n=13), enfermedad de Ménière 5,46% (n=10) y neuritis vestibular 4,37% (n=8). En 26,78% (n=49) no se logró un diagnóstico definitivo. Los trastornos de origen central representaron un 3,83% (n=7) y aquellos de origen no otoneurológico un 17,49% (n=32). Discusión: Los datos de frecuencia de los distintos trastornos del equilibrio registrados en el policlínico de otoneurología del Hospital Clínico Herminda Martin, son similares a la literatura internacional. Los trastornos vestibulares periféricos son los más frecuentes, de los cuales destaca el vértigo posicional paroxístico benigno representando el 34,97% del total de casos. Dentro de las causas otoneurológicas, la migraña vestibular fue la segunda causa en nuestro medio con un 7,1% del total de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Balance disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases. They are a frequent medical condition, representing a significant healthcare burden at the different levels of care. Thus, frequency studies are a tool to understand disease patterns, as well as the evaluation and planning of a healthcare network. Material and method: Cross-sectional study of patients who attended the otoneurology out-patient clinic of the Hospital Clinico Herminda Martin with chief complaint of vestibular symptoms during 2018. Results: 183 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 143 (78%) were female and 40 (22%) male. With an average age of 58 years. The most frequent otoneurological diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo 34.97% (n=64), followed by vestibular migraine 7.1% (n=13), Ménière's disease 5.46% (n=10) and vestibular neuritis 4.37% (n=8). In 26.78% (n=49) a definitive diagnosis was not achieved. Disorders of central origin represented 3.83% (n=7) and non-otoneurological origin 17.49% (n=32). Discussion: The frequency data of the balance disorders registered in the otoneurology out-patient clinic are similar to the international literature, peripheral vestibular disorders are the most frequent, of which benign paroxysmal positional vertigo stands out, representing 34.97% of the total cases. Among the otoneurological causes, vestibular migraine was the second cause in our study with 7.1% of the total cases

Vértigo y mareo en el hospital: frecuentación, flujo y características de los pacientes / Vertigo and dizziness in hospital: Attendance, flow and characteristics of patients

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Los síntomas de vértigo y mareo son frecuentes en la población, se presentan como manifestación de un amplio abanico de enfermedades y habitualmente es difícil realizar un diagnóstico de certeza. El objetivo general de este estudio es obtener la información para evaluar estos síntomas en el entorno hospitalario. Los objetivos específicos son: estimar el peso global que representan estos síntomas en las derivaciones al hospital; conocer las características de los pacientes derivados y detallar el flujo de las consultas. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo observacional. Se buscaron las propuestas de consulta realizadas en 2011 y 2012 al hospital por el síntoma de vértigo. Se analizaron características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes, y administrativas de las derivaciones. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron un total de 558 propuestas correspondientes a 494 pacientes. El vértigo supuso el 0,5% del total de las derivaciones realizadas desde Atención Primaria al hospital. El 63% de la muestra han sido mujeres, con una edad media de 58 años. El 88% de los pacientes fue valorado por Otorrinolaringología y el 24% por Neurología. Un 30,8% consultó en 3 o más ocasiones por el síntoma. El 16% fue valorado por enfermedad psiquiátrica en el hospital. CONCLUSIONES: El vértigo como síntoma supone una carga significativa en el ámbito hospitalario. Los pacientes que lo presentan consultan en múltiples ocasiones y son valorados en distintas especialidades. En ciertos casos, el flujo de pacientes puede resultar excesivamente dinámico e ineficaz. En nuestro entorno, Otorrinolaringología es el principal receptor de pacientes con síntomas de vértigo y mareo

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Vertigo and dizziness as symptoms are frequent in the population. They are present in a wide range of pathologies and it is usually difficult to make an accurate diagnosis. The general objective of this study is to obtain the information to evaluate vertigo and dizziness in the hospital setting. The specific objectives are: to estimate the burden of these symptoms at the hospital; to study patients' conditions and to detail the flow of these patients inside the hospital. METHODS: Observational descriptive study. We made a search of the referral proposals made in 2011 and 2012 to the hospital because of vertigo symptoms. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, and the administrative details of the referrals were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 558 proposals were analysed corresponding to 494 patients. Vertigo accounted for 0.5% of all referrals made from Primary Care to the hospital. Sixty-three percent of the sample were women; the average age was 58 years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were evaluated by Otorhinolaryngology, 24% by Neurology. Thirty point eight percent consulted on 3 or more occasions for the symptom. Sixteen percent were assessed for psychiatric conditions in the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Vertigo as a symptom is a significant burden in the hospital setting. The patients who suffer it consult on several occasions and are assessed by different specialties. This implies in some cases an excessive and ineffective flow of patients. In our setting, otorhinolaryngology is the main department to treat vertigo and dizziness patients

Otoneurological findings prevalent in hereditary ataxias / Alterações otoneurológicas prevalentes nas ataxias hereditárias

ABSTRACT Objective To describe and compare the vestibular findings most evident among the hereditary ataxias, as well as correlate their clinical features with the nervous structures affected in this disease. Methods Seventy-five patients were evaluated and underwent a case history, otorhinolaryngological and vestibular assessments. Results Clinically, the patients commonly had symptoms of gait disturbances (67.1%), dizziness (47.3%), dysarthria (46%) and dysphagia (36.8%). In vestibular testing, alterations were predominantly evident in caloric testing (79%), testing for saccadic dysmetria (51%) and rotational chair testing (47%). The presence of alterations occurred in 87% of these patients. A majority of the alterations were from central vestibular dysfunction (69.3%). Conclusion This underscores the importance of the contribution of topodiagnostic labyrinthine evaluations for neurodegenerative diseases as, in most cases, the initial symptoms are otoneurological; and these evaluations should also be included in the selection of procedures to be performed in clinical and therapeutic monitoring.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever e comparar os achados vestibulares mais evidentes entre a ataxia hereditária, bem como correlacionar seus aspectos clínicos com o estudo das estruturas nervosas afetadas nesta doença. Métodos 75 pacientes foram avaliados e submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: anamnese, avaliação otorrinolaringológica e vestibular. Resultados Clinicamente, os pacientes apresentaram sintomas de distúrbios da marcha (67,1%), tonturas (47,3%), disartria (46%) e disfagia (36,8%). No teste vestibular, as alterações foram predominantemente evidentes no teste calórico (79%), dismetria sacádicas (51%) e no teste rotatório (47%). A presença de alterações ocorreu em 87% dos pacientes. A maioria das alterações observadas foram da disfunção vestibular central (69,3%). Conclusão O estudo ressalta a importância da contribuição da avaliação labiríntica no topodiagnóstico para doenças neurodegenerativas, uma vez que, na maioria dos casos, os sintomas iniciais são otoneurológicos, e essas avaliações também devem ser incluídas na seleção de procedimentos a serem realizados no monitoramento clínico e terapêutico.