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Citation
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Ferreira LMBM, Ribeiro KMOBF, Pestana ALS, Lima KC, Ferreira LMBM, Ribeiro KMOBF, Pestana ALS, Lima KC. Rev. CEFAC 2014; 16(3): 739-746. |
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Abstract
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PURPOSE to measure the prevalence of dizziness in elderly participants of a livinggroup of a brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) referral center located inthe city of Natal-RN. Methods prospective study. Fifty individuals were interviewed, aged between 60 and88 years. Data were studied through descriptive analysis.
RESULTS the prevalence of dizziness in this population was 74%, from which 35.1% hadonly vertigo, 13.5% had vertigo associated to other types of dizziness,24.3% had imbalance, 8.1% sensation of floating, 16.2% had presyncope, and2.7 % had sensation of floating and presyncope. About duration of dizziness,for 48.6%, it lasted in seconds. About otoneurologic symptoms, 48.64% hadneurovegetative symptoms, 56.8% had tinnitus, 56.8% had hearing loss, 43.2%had ear fullness. Regarding other problems, 10.8% did not wear glasses; 2.7%wore hearing aids, 8.1% used canes, 48% had two or more associated diseasesand 40% was using three or more medications daily. Comparing dizzy and notdizzy patients, it was found a prevalence ratio (PR) of 0.947 for number ofcomorbidities and 0.971 for number of medications. When elderly with vertigoand other types of dizziness were compared, it was found a RP 1.197 fortinnitus, 1.050 for ear fullness, 2.111 for neurovegetative symptoms, 0.480for duration of dizziness, 0.528 for number of comorbidities and 0.758 fornumber of medications.
CONCLUSION we conclude that dizziness is a very prevalent symptom in theelderly, coexisting with co-morbidities and use of multiple medications.Key words: Aged; Prevalence; Dizziness
Language: en |