CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF VERTIGO

Abstract

This article presents a single-center retrospective study aimed at evaluating the clinical and demographic characteristics of 892 patients who presented with dizziness. At the initial stage, all patients were assessed using a structured questionnaire, followed by videonystagmography (VNG). Based on the obtained findings, caloric testing was performed, glycerol dehydration testing was applied when clinically indicated, and audiological examinations were conducted in patients with hearing-related complaints. Among the study population, 66,9% were female (n=597) and 33,1% were male (n=295). Age group distribution was as follows: 18-30 years − 13,0% (n=116), 31-50 years − 38,6% (n=344), 51-70 years − 34,8% (n=311), and over 70 years − 13,6% (n=121). Statistical analyses demonstrated a significant association between gender and the type of dizziness (p<0,001), as well as an increase in symptom severity and visual disturbances with advancing age. A strong association was also identified between hearing changes and aural fullness. These findings highlight the practical value of a questionnaire-based approach for initial differential diagnosis and emphasize the impact of demographic factors on symptom structure.