Prevalence, demographics, and clinical characteristics of vertigo disorders in a specialized multidisciplinary outpatient clinic. (P1.322)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of various diagnostic groups amongst patients with vertigo and dizziness presenting to a specialized tertiary care centre. To determine clinical features and demographic factors characteristic of specific diagnoses and their specific subjective burden. BACKGROUND: Vertigo is a common complaint in the general population with a prevalence between 20 and 30 [percnt]. The Schwindelzentrum Essen, Germany, is a specialized, outpatient clinic which provides multidisciplinary care for patients with chronic vertigo. From March 2010 till December 2013 6182 patients, who presented to the clinic for the first time took part in a standardized survey.DESIGN/METHODS: Prospective, observational study in tertiary care centre. RESULTS: 8182 patients (5659 female = 69,2[percnt]; 2523 male =30,8[percnt]) presented to the clinic: The five most common diagnoses were phobic postural vertigo (n=1162; 18.26[percnt]), benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (n=10003; 15,69[percnt]), unilateral vestibulopathy / vestibular neuritis (n=712; 9,06[percnt]), psychogenic vertigo (n=682; 9,6[percnt]) and Ménière’s disease (632; 9,62[percnt]). The average age was 56,3 years (range 10 to 96 years, SD=17,64) with a considerable variation between diagnoses. Symptom severity scores showed significant impairment in the patients abilities (DHI: Mean 47,1 ; Range 0-100; SD 22,3; VSS: Mean 33,63; Range 0 - 131; SD 19,6). CONCLUSIONS: This large dataset is helpful to provide a more accurate picture of specific vestibular disorders and their clinical presentation. Furthermore it allows insightful correlations to demographics and personal burden.

Disclosure: Dr. Burmeister has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bock has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gerwig has nothing to disclose. Dr. Frings has nothing to disclose. Dr. Arweiler-Harbeck has nothing to disclose. Dr. Diener has received research support from Merck, Pharm-Allergan GmbH, ElectroCore, Amgen, and Novartis. Dr. Obermann has received personal compensation for activities with Biogen Idec, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Inc., and Teva Neuroscience.