Falls in patients with vestibular deficits.
OBJECTIVE
To determine to what extent patients with vestibular hypofunction experience falls.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Outpatient tertiary care facility in a university.


METHODS
Patients with unilateral (n = 70) and bilateral (n = 45) vestibular hypofunction, confirmed on vestibular function testing, aged 24 to 89 years.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Incidence of falls.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in the incidence of falls reported since the onset of the vestibular deficit by patients with unilateral (UVL) and bilateral (BVL) vestibular hypofunction. The incidence of falls for BVL was significantly greater than that for UVL. The incidence of falls for UVL was not different from that expected in a community-based population when age was considered. The incidence of falls for BVL was significantly greater than that reported for the general population aged 65 through 74 years (51.1% for BVL, 25% for community-dwelling individuals) but was significantly less than expected for persons aged > or =75 years (18.2% for BVL, 49% for community-dwelling individuals). The lower incidence of falls in patients with BVL aged > or =75 years may be related to the use of assistive devices and to a decrease in risky behavior. All patients with serious injury were from the UVL group, and all were >65 years old. The incidence of fall-related injuries requiring medical attention among patients with UVL was similar to that in community-dwelling individuals.


CONCLUSIONS
Falls are an important consequence of bilateral vestibular hypofunction, and patients should be counseled about the increased risk of falling. Assistive devices should be considered, especially for persons aged >65 years with BVL.
Herdman
S J
SJ
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
Blatt
P
P
Schubert
M C
MC
Tusa
R J
RJ
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests