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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of dizziness and unsteadiness in a large population of 75-year-olds

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Abstract

Background and aims: Studies have shown that 65% of people with dizziness may have a vestibular etiologic diagnosis, possibly benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The diagnosis of BPPV is based on medical history and findings after the Dix-Hallpike test. It is sometimes difficult to perform the Dix-Hallpike test in elderly persons, due to the limited range of motion when extending the neck. In this study, we used a side-lying test to stimulate the posterior semicircular canal, while the head and neck were fully supported on the examination table. The aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dizziness and/or impaired balance and BPPV in a population of 75-year-olds by means of a questionnaire and clinical tests, and to compare elderly persons with and without BPPV. Methods: A representative population sample of 675 persons completed a questionnaire about dizziness and 571 persons underwent side-lying, static balance and dynamic walking tests. Results: Subjective dizziness and/or impaired balance were found in 36% of subjects, especially when walking outdoors. A significant gender difference was found, with a higher prevalence in women (40%) compared with men (30%) (p<0.01). BPPV was found in 11% and was significantly more common in women (p<0.01). Elderly individuals with BPPV also displayed significantly impaired balance in static and dynamic balance tests compared with persons without BPPV (p<0.01). Persons with BPPV reported significantly more subjective problems with dizziness and balance compared with persons without BPPV (p<0.001). Conclusions: Subjective and objective unsteadiness, dizziness and BPPV are common in the elderly.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 35, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Lena Kollén & Monika Fagevik Olsén

  2. Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    Kerstin Frändin

  3. School of Health Sciences, Örebro University Centre for Health Care Sciences, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden

    Lena Kollén & Margareta Möller

  4. Department of Physiotherapy, Clinical of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden

    Monika Fagevik Olsén

  5. School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Audiological Research Center, Örebro University Hospital, Institute for Disability Research, Örebro, Sweden

    Claes Möller

Authors
  1. Lena Kollén
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  2. Kerstin Frändin
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  3. Margareta Möller
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  4. Monika Fagevik Olsén
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  5. Claes Möller
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Correspondence to Lena Kollén.

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Kollén, L., Frändin, K., Möller, M. et al. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common cause of dizziness and unsteadiness in a large population of 75-year-olds. Aging Clin Exp Res 24, 317–323 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325263

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03325263

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