What is the effect of dizziness on the quality of life for patients with Meniere's disease?
Cunha, F.; Settanni, F.A.P.; Ganança, F.F.
Revue de Laryngologie - Otologie - Rhinologie 126(3): 155-158
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-1334 PMID: 16366382 Document Number: 594281
To evaluate the impact of dizziness on quality of life (QOL) in Meniere's disease (MD) patients. 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. 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. QOL impairment is worse during a Meniere's crisis. Out of crisis, QOL impairment is greater in patients with bilateral involvement.