Profiling dizziness in older primary care patients: an empirical study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The diagnostic approach to dizzy, older patients is not straightforward as many organ systems can be involved and evidence for diagnostic strategies is lacking. A first differentiation in diagnostic subtypes or profiles may guide the diagnostic process of dizziness and can serve as a classification system in future research. In the literature this has been done, but based on pathophysiological reasoning only.

Objective

To establish a classification of diagnostic profiles of dizziness based on empirical data.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants and setting

417 consecutive patients of 65 years and older presenting with dizziness to 45 primary care physicians in the Netherlands from July 2006 to January 2008.

Methods

We performed tests, in

SUBMITTER: Dros J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3031582 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature