Vestibular Disorders

In the United States, dizziness is the third most common presentation to general medical clinics. With an overall incidence of 5–10%, dizziness affects 40% of people older than 40 years and 65% [Page 2050]of individuals older than 60 years, often on a daily basis.The incidence of falls is 25% in those older than 65 years and is the leading cause of loss of independence and accidental death in this age group. In 2011, the total U.S. national cost for patients presenting with dizziness to an emergency department was calculated to exceed US$4 billion per year (about 4% of total emergency department costs). Diagnosis may be challenging, with no single cause accounting for 5–10% (or more) of cases. The financial burden to the community includes a ...