Relationship between clinical features of dizziness and self-perceived dizziness handicap

Background: Dizziness symptoms have a negative impact on daily activities and quality of life. The relationship between clinical features of dizziness and self-perceived dizziness handicap would gain a better understanding of impact of dizziness. Objectives: To investigate the correlations of the clinical features of dizziness symptoms and the self-perceived dizziness handicap. Materials and methods: Fifty participants (13 men and 37 women), aged between 18-65 years old, were recruited from the Otolaryngology clinic. All participants had experienced dizziness at least one month. The clinical features of dizziness measured were intensity (a 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale), frequency (times/week), duration (minutes each episode), and time of onset (months). The self-perceived level of handicap was measured using the Thai version of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI-TH). Results: The total score of DHI-TH was positively correlated with dizziness intensity and frequency (r=0.65 and 0.48, respectively, p<0.01). The subscale scores (physical, emotional and functional) were positively correlated with dizziness intensity and frequency (r ranged from 0.37 to 0.59, p<0.01). There were no correlations between the total and subscale DHI scores and duration and time of onset (p>0.05). Conclusion: Self-perceived dizziness handicap as measured by the DHI-TH had a positive correlation with intensity and frequency of dizziness.