Dizziness presentations in U.S. emergency departments, 1995-2004.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives were to describe presentation characteristics and health care utilization information pertaining to dizziness presentations in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) from 1995 through 2004.


METHODS
From the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), patient visits to EDs for "vertigo-dizziness" were identified. Sample data were weighted to produce nationally representative estimates. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and health care utilization information were obtained. Trends over time were assessed using weighted least squares regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to control for the influence of age on the probability of a vertigo-dizziness visit during the study time period.


RESULTS
Vertigo-dizziness presentations accounted for 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4% to 2.6%) of all ED presentations during this 10-year period. From 1995 to 2004, the rate of visits for vertigo-dizziness increased by 37% and demonstrated a significant linear trend (p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for age (and other covariates), every increase in year was associated with increased odds of a vertigo-dizziness visit. At each visit, a median of 3.6 diagnostic or screening tests (95% CI = 3.2 to 4.1) were performed. Utilization of many tests increased over time (p < 0.01). The utilization of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) increased 169% from 1995 to 2004, which was more than any other test. The rate of central nervous system diagnoses (e.g., cerebrovascular disease or brain tumor) did not increase over time.


CONCLUSIONS
In terms of number of visits and important utilization measures, the impact of dizziness presentations on EDs is substantial and increasing. CT/MRI utilization rates have increased more than any other test.
Kerber
Kevin A
KA
Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. kakerber@umich.edu
Meurer
William J
WJ
West
Brady T
BT
Fendrick
A Mark
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004244:Dizziness / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000453:epidemiology; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D007902:Length of Stay; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009325:Nausea / Q000453:epidemiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014481:United States; D014717:Vertigo / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult