Affiliations: [a] German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, University of Munich, Germany | [b] Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Munich, Germany | [c] Schön Klinik Bad Aibling, Germany
Correspondence:
[*]
Corresponding author: Klaus Jahn, German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders (DSGZ), University Hospital - Klinikum Grosshadern, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. Tel.: +49 89 4400 73671; Fax +49 89 4400 76671; E-mail:klaus.jahn@med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vertigo and dizziness are among the most prevalent symptoms in neurologic
disorders. Although many of these patients suffer from postural instability
and gait disturbances, there is only limited data on their risk of falling. METHODS: We conducted a controlled cross-sectional study at the tertiary care
outpatient clinic of the German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders
using a self-administered questionnaire to assess falls, fall-related
injuries, and fear of falling. The recruitment period was 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 569 patients (mean age 59.6 ± 17.1 years, 55%
females) and 100 healthy participants were included (response rate > 90%).
Dizzy patients with central balance disorders (Parkinsonian, cerebellar, and
brainstem oculomotor syndromes) had the highest fall rates (> 50%
recurrent fallers, odds ratio > 10). The rate of recurrent fallers was 30%
in bilateral vestibular failure and peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio > 5).
Patients with functional dizziness (somatoform or phobic vertigo) were
concerned about falling but did not fall more often than healthy controls
(odds ratio 0.87). CONCLUSION: Falls are common in patients presenting to a dizziness unit.
Those with central syndromes are at risk of recurrent and injurious falling. Fall rates
and fear of falling should be assessed in balance disorders and used to
guide the regimen of rehabilitation therapy. The identification of risk
factors would help provide protective measures to these groups of patients.
Keywords: Balance, dizziness, falls, gait disorders, vertigo
