Epidemiological aspects of vertigo in the general population of the Autonomic Region of Valencia, Spain

Abstract

Conclusion: Vertigo, defined as an illusion of unequivocal rotatory motion, is a common symptom in the general population that frequently requires individuals to seek medical attention in a primary care centre.

Objectives: To evaluate the annual incidence of patients who suffer vertigo, and to examine some of the variables associated, in a sample of the general population of the Autonomic Region of Valencia, Spain.

Subjects and methods: The study was designed as an observational, incidence study. The study area included six primary care centres with a total population of 10760 inhabitants. The parameters studied were age, sex, working status, de novo presentation or recurrent vertigo crisis.

Results: A total of 191 patients (17.8 patients per 1000 inhabitants) sought medical attention because of vertigo over the year of the study. Of these, 82 patients (7.6 per 1000 inhabitants) experienced vertigo for the first time, a de novo crisis. Women were more often affected and the crises occurred more frequently in individuals between 50 and 60 years of age. The work status had influence on the results obtained.