Clinical characteristics of patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness.
INTRODUCTION
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness is the dizziness that lasts for over three months with no clinical explanation for its persistence. The patient's motor response pattern presents changes and most patients manifest significant anxiety.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with persistent postural and perceptual dizziness.


METHODS
statistical analysis of clinical aspects of patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness.


RESULTS
81 patients, average age: 50.06±12.16 years; female/male ratio: 5.7/1; main reasons for dizziness: visual stimuli (74%), body movements (52%), and sleep deprivation (38%). The most prevalent comorbidities were hypercholesterolemia (31%), migraine headaches (26%), carbohydrate metabolism disorders (22%) and cervical syndrome (21%). DHI, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - Trait, Beck Depression Inventory, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires were statistically different (p<0.05) when compared to controls. 68% demonstrated clinical improvement after treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors.


CONCLUSION
Persistent postural-perceptual dizziness affects more women than men, with a high associated prevalence of metabolic disorders and migraine. Questionnaires help to identify the predisposition to persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. The prognosis is good with adequate treatment.
['Bittar|Roseli Saraiva Moreira|RS|', 'Lins|Eliane Maria Dias von Söhsten|EM|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000367:Age Factors D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D015897:Comorbidity D004244:Dizziness D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D004856:Postural Balance D017367:Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors D012737:Sex Factors D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D014717:Vertigo D015837:Vestibular Diseases D055815:Young Adult
Dizziness Anxiety Comorbidity Depression Ansiedade Comorbidade Depressão Tontura