How much does dizziness interfere in ménière’s disease patients’ quality of life?

Abstract Problem: To evaluate the impact of dizziness on the quality of life (QOL) in Meniere’s disease (MD) patients in and out of crisis and to verify a possible relationship between the QOL impairment and the clinical data. Methods: Fifty patients with diagnosis of definite MD were included in the study. The impact of dizziness on the QOL was assessed by the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), administered to the patients in and out of crisis. The DHI scores were correlated to the clinical data. Tinnitus, aural fullness, imbalance, and functional disabilities were evaluated according to the Inner Ear Profile (IEP), in and out of crisis. Vertigo was assessed by Vertigogram. Hearing was assessed by CHE AAO-HNS staging. Vestibular function was evaluated by computerized vectonystagmography. All patients were also analyzed regarding disease duration and unilateral or bilateral labyrinth involvement. Statistical analysis was performed by using Anova and the test of equality of 2 proportions. Results: The sample consisted of 39 females and 11 males, with a mean age of 50.8 years. The DHI, during the crisis period, showed physical, functional, and emotional aspects scores statistically higher ( P Conclusion: Definite MD patients present QOL impairment due to dizziness in and out of crisis. The impairment is worst in crisis when compared to the out-of-crisis period. The QOL impairment is greater in patients with bilateral labyrinth involvement out of crisis, than in patients with unilateral labyrinth involvement in the same period. Significance: Definite MD patients do have dizziness-related QOL impairment, independent of all clinical studied data. Support: None reported.