Chronic dizziness in older people: apply a multifactorial approach
Stam, H.; van der Horst, H.ët.E.; Smalbrugge, M.; Maarsingh, O.R.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 159: A8301
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 25589281 Document Number: 673096
It has been suggested that chronic dizziness in older people may constitute a multifactorial geriatric syndrome. Considering dizziness to be a geriatric syndrome with multiple contributory factors may provide additional leads for treatment. A structured history, followed by physical examination and additional tests if necessary, can yield clues to factors that may contribute to dizziness. To illustrate such a multifactorial approach, we present two patients with chronic dizziness. In both cases, the general practitioner considered multifactorial dizziness with several treatable contributory factors. By treating these contributory factors, the frequency of dizziness and dizziness-related impairment decreased temporarily in one patient and permanently in the other.