OBJECTIVE: This study was performed
prospectively to evaluate the dizzy patients in the Neurotology
Outpatient clinic at Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
during the period 1993-2000 and to discuss the prevalence and
etiology of dizziness.
METHODS: Data were collected from 108
patients (52 males and 56 females) with a mean age of
45.6-years. Diagnosis was made on the basis of history,
physical, otolaryngological and neurological examination and
confirmed by relevant investigation including laboratory,
radiological and audio vestibular tests.
RESULTS: Secure diagnosis were made in
98% of patients (14% had one cause alone and 84% had multiple
causes). Cardiovascular disorders accounted for 31.5% of primary
and 49% of secondary causes, peripheral vestibular disorders,
25% of primary and 3% of secondary causes, central vestibular
disorders 17% of primary and 9% of secondary causes, metabolic
endocrine 13% of primary and 38% of secondary causes, cervical
osteoarthritis 5.5% of primary and 28% of secondary causes and
psychogenic 4.6% of primary and 6.5% of secondary causes.
CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate
that vertigo is the most common subtype of dizziness (50%).
Multiple causes are more prevalent in older age and the single
cause is more prevalent in younger age. Cardiovascular was the
most common cause of dizziness followed by vestibular disorders,
metabolic and cervical osteoarthritis. Vestibular disorders are
primary causes and non vestibular are predominantly secondary
causes of dizziness. Hyperlipidemia, diabetes and cervical
causes are major secondary contributors to dizziness. We
recommend a multi disciplinary setting and application of a
comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approach without
unnecessary protracted investigative scheme and installment of
rehabilitation facilities.
Institution
ENT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University Hospital,
University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. kabaqi@msn.com
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