Dizziness symptom severity and impact on daily living as perceived by patients suffering from peripheral vestibular disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe quality-of-life aspects in a group of patients (n = 99) suffering from peripheral vestibular disorder, using three different self-rated instruments, the Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS), the Vertigo Handicap Questionnaire (VHQ) and the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP). The results showed that the type of dizziness that most influenced the quality-of-life aspects were: frequent short- or long-term dizziness, nausea, and the feeling that the ground was distant or as though the patient were walking on clouds. However, several of the impairments in daily life were neither related to the disease itself nor the demographic data. This verifies the necessity of investigating other factors such as personality and coping capacity. The results of this study also demonstrate the patients' need of psychosocial support. A comprehensive assessment and evaluation is important in order to identify each patient's needs.

Feasibility and Effects of a Nursing Intervention for Patients with Peripheral Vestibular Disorders

“…The Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) was originally developed by Yardley and thoroughly psychometrically tested (Yardley, Masson, Verschuur, Haacke, & Luxon, 1992). The VSS has been translated, tested, and revised for Swedish use (Mendel et al, 1999). The scale includes 22 symptoms divided into two subsets of symptoms: vertigo severity (7 symptoms) and somatic anxiety (15 symptoms).…”

“…The most difficult symptoms mentioned by the patients in addition to dizziness per se were nausea, headache, vomiting, loss of concentration or memory, and fatigue (Mendel et al, 1999). They stated that the worst to live with were restrictions in their social and leisure activities, the inability to move around quickly, and a loss of confidence and increased worry and fears (Mendel et al, 1999).…”

“…Several studies indicate that patients that have peripheral vestibular disorders, independent of origin, report physical, mental, and social functional impairments (Holmes & Padgham, 2011;Mendel, Bergenius, & Langius, 1999;Nazareth, Landau, Yardley, & Luxon, 2006;Neuhauser et al, 2008;S€ oderman, Bergenius, Bagger-Sj€ ob€ ack, Tjell, & Langius, 2001). The most difficult symptoms mentioned by the patients in addition to dizziness per se were nausea, headache, vomiting, loss of concentration or memory, and fatigue (Mendel et al, 1999). They stated that the worst to live with were restrictions in their social and leisure activities, the inability to move around quickly, and a loss of confidence and increased worry and fears (Mendel et al, 1999).…”

“…The diagnosis and clinical outcome of successful treatment largely depend on a careful neurotological examination as well the patient's subjective description of symptoms: frequency and degree of rotatory sensations, unsteadiness and falls, and associated symptoms such as hearing loss and tinnitus (Holmes & Padgham, 2011). Several studies indicate that patients that have peripheral vestibular disorders, independent of origin, report physical, mental, and social functional impairments (Holmes & Padgham, 2011;Mendel, Bergenius, & Langius, 1999;Nazareth, Landau, Yardley, & Luxon, 2006;Neuhauser et al, 2008;S€ oderman, Bergenius, Bagger-Sj€ ob€ ack, Tjell, & Langius, 2001). The most difficult symptoms mentioned by the patients in addition to dizziness per se were nausea, headache, vomiting, loss of concentration or memory, and fatigue (Mendel et al, 1999).…”

The translation of the Vertigo Symptom Scale into Afrikaans: A pilot study

“…In addition participants did not undergo objective testing, thus limiting the correlation between the participants' diagnosis and their presenting complaint of vertigo, or lack thereof. However, a counter-argument to this is that objective testing often does not prove a diagnosis or even the presence of a patient's symptoms (Kerr, 2005;Mendel, Bergenius & Langius, 1999). It is possible that a Hawthorne effect exists.…”