Clinical and epidemiological study of vertigo at an outpatient clinic

Objective The main goal of this study was to set up a database of vertigo patients that could serve as a reference for other ENT services treating these pathologies. We present a clinical and epidemiological study of vertigo in an ENT outpatient clinic in 2001 and describe our diagnosis protocol. Ma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Acta oto-laryngologica 2004-01, Vol.124 (1), p.49-52
Main Authors: Guilemany, J.-M., Martínez, P., Prades, E., Sañudo, I., de España, R., Cuchi, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Cross-Sectional Studies
Diagnosis, Differential
dizziness
epidemiological study
Female
General aspects
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Meniere Disease - diagnosis
Meniere Disease - epidemiology
Middle Aged
Otolaryngology - statistics & numerical data
Outpatient Clinics, Hospital - statistics & numerical data
Patient Care Team - statistics & numerical data
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Spain - epidemiology
Utilization Review
vertigo
Vertigo - epidemiology
Vertigo - etiology
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Summary:Objective The main goal of this study was to set up a database of vertigo patients that could serve as a reference for other ENT services treating these pathologies. We present a clinical and epidemiological study of vertigo in an ENT outpatient clinic in 2001 and describe our diagnosis protocol. Material and Methods This was a prospective study of 591 patients (18% of the total number of 3283 first visits) controlled and treated at the ENT service of the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona. The main variables studied were sex, age, clinical characteristics and the results of physical and basic instrumental examinations. Results After obtaining a clinical history and performing a physical examination, pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry and electronystagmography, 394 patients were discharged with a medical report, diagnosis and prescription for treatment. The other 197 patients whom the standard examination was unable to diagnose were referred to a multidisciplinary committee for re-evaluation. Conclusions A correct diagnosis is essential to ensure adequate treatment and attain an acceptable balance between cost and effectiveness.
ISSN:0001-6489
1651-2251
DOI:10.1080/00016480310002122