Abstract
PurposeDizziness may affect quality of life in a negative way and contribute to falls. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare 75 years old with dizziness caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) to those with general dizziness/impaired balance (non-BPPV related) and to those reporting no dizziness, regarding health-related quality of life (HRQL), falls, tiredness, and walking speed in a population-based setting.MethodA cross-sectional population-based sample, including 671 75 years old (398 women, 273 men), was investigated for BPPV, dizziness symptoms, falls, and walking speed. HRQL was assessed using the 36-item Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36).ResultA total of 67 persons (10%) had symptoms of BPPV with 11 (1.6%) having nystagmus when tested for BPPV. Having BPPV as well as general dizziness/impaired balance was associated with reduced HRQL, more tiredness, enhanced number of falls, and lower walking speed. Furthermore, the risk of having BPPV increased fourfold if symptoms of dizziness when turning in bed was reported.ConclusionHaving problems with dizziness is common among senior citizens where BPPV can be an unrecognized cause of dizziness that may impact HRQL and overall well-being. As BPPV is common among older adults, and is potentially curable through reposition maneuvers, it is important to liberally test for, and treat the condition. Information about dizziness when turning in bed can help to pinpoint persons with enhanced risk for BPPV also on a population-based level.
Highlights
Dizziness is a common complaint among older adults, and is, often regarded as a normal age-related phenomenon or as part of aging itself
Subgroup analyses of participants with Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) symptoms and nystagmus (n = 11) separately did not yield further significant results when compared to the group of participants without dizziness or when compared to the group with general dizziness
The proportion of having BPPV if reporting dizziness when tilting the head or turning in bed was 28% opposed to the proportions of 6% if not reporting dizziness when turning in bed
Summary
Dizziness is a common complaint among older adults, and is, often regarded as a normal age-related phenomenon or as part of aging itself. Dizziness may have multiple etiologies, but vestibular causes are especially common [2]. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the single most common cause of dizziness from the vestibular system and is caused by otoconia from the utricle entering the semi-circular canal [4, 5]. BPPV among older adults, tends to cause unsteadiness rather than the spinning sensation often seen in younger adults [8, 9]. Older adults seem to adapt or adjust to the condition and BPPV may be found unrecognized until tested for [10, 11]. Treatment of the condition is highly recommended [5]
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