Unrecognized benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in elderly patients. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Balance disorders in elderly patients are associated with an increased risk of falls but are often difficult to diagnose because of comorbid chronic medical problems. We performed a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of unrecognized benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and associated lifestyle sequelae in a public, inner-city geriatric population. Dizziness was found in 61% of patients, whereas balance disorders were found in 77% of patients. Nine percent were found to have unrecognized BPPV. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of a spinning sensation and the absence of a lightheadedness sensation predicted the presence of unrecognized BPPV. Patients with unrecognized BPPV were more likely to have reduced activities of daily living scores, to have sustained a fall in the previous 3 months, and to have depression. These data indicate that unrecognized BPPV is common within the elderly population and has associated morbidity. Further prospective studies are warranted.

publication date

  • May 1, 2000

Research

keywords

  • Vertigo

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 0034030265

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/S0194-5998(00)70187-2

PubMed ID

  • 10793337

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 122

issue

  • 5