Chronic subjective dizziness versus conversion disorder: discussion of clinical findings and rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
Audiologists frequently encounter patients who complain of chronic dizziness or imbalance, in the absence of active vestibular or neurological deficits. Knowledge about conditions that cause this clinical presentation will allow audiologists to make important contributions to accurate diagnosis and effective management of these patients. This article reviews 2 such conditions, chronic subjective dizziness (CSD) and conversion disorder.


METHODS
A case of CSD and another of conversion disorder are presented, with a literature review of their clinical presentations, key diagnostic features, and treatment strategies. The role of the audiologist in assessing patients with these conditions and facilitating appropriate treatment referrals is discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
The audiologist is in a key position to identify individuals with CSD and conversion disorder, 2 conditions that can be effectively managed if properly recognized. The authors demonstrate an effective team approach program that includes the audiologist's contribution to differential diagnosis, education of patients and other clinicians about these conditions, and development of recommendations for neurological, psychiatric, otologic, and physical therapy referrals.
Honaker
Julie A
JA
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 68583-0738, USA. jhonaker2@unl.edu
Gilbert
Jane M
JM
Staab
Jeffrey P
JP
D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D010348:Patient Care Team; D004856:Postural Balance; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests