Waarom wordt draaiduizeligheid niet vaker behandeld?

Abstract

Abstract: Van Vugt VA, Diaz Nerio PM, Van der Wouden JC, Van der Horst HE, Maarsingh OR. Why is dizziness not treated more often? Huisarts Wet 2017;60(9):436-9. Background: Dizziness is an unpleasant problem that affects daily functioning, thereby giving rise to considerable economic loss. While there are cheap, safe, and effective treatment techniques, such as the Epley manoeuvre and vestibular rehabilitation, many general practitioners prefer a watchful waiting strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent Dutch GPs use these treatment techniques and the reasons why they choose not to do so. Method: In 2012, 426 Dutch GPs were asked to complete an online questionnaire about their use of the Epley manoeuvre, Brandt-Daroff exercise, and vestibular rehabilitation for patients with dizziness. Results: While about half of the respondents used the Epley manoeuvre (57.3%) or Brandt-Daroff exercises (50.2%), only 6.8% used vestibular rehabilitation. Most GPs gave these treatments themselves, with only 25.8%, 10.7%, and 34.7% of the GPs referring patients to other healthcare practitioners for these treatments, respectively. The most mentioned reason for not using these treatments was not knowing how to apply them (49.5%, 89.6%, 92.4%, respectively) or doubt about their effectiveness (29.7%, 11.8%, and 6.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Dutch GPs make too little use of repositioning manoeuvres and vestibular rehabilitation as treatment for dizziness. Because GPs appear to be uncertain how to perform these techniques, Apps and E-Health applications may help to improve the necessary knowledge and skills.