What is the effect of dizziness on the quality of life for patients with Meniere's disease?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the impact of dizziness on quality of life (QOL) in Meniere's disease (MD) patients.


METHODS
Fifty definite MD patients were submitted to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), in and out of crisis. The DHI scores were correlated to age, sex, race, disease duration, unilateral/bilateral labyrinth involvement, duration/frequency of vertigo attacks, vestibular and auditory function, aural fullness, tinnitus, imbalance and functional disabilities. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA.


RESULTS
During crisis, all DHI aspects scores were statistically higher (p < 0.001) than out of crisis. Out of crisis, a statistically significant correlation was found between physical, functional and total scores and bilateral involvement.


CONCLUSIONS
QOL impairment is worse during a Meniere's crisis. Out of crisis, QOL impairment is greater in patients with bilateral involvement.
Cunha
F
F
Federal University of São Paulo, Neurotology Discipline, Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Department, São Paulo, Brazil.
Settanni
F A Parente
FA
Ganança
F Freitas
FF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis