RELATION BETWEEN DIZZINESS, PERCEIVED HANDICAP, AUDITORY AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate if the Dizziness Handicap Inventory – Brazilian version (DHI-BV), instrument that evaluates perceived handicap of dizziness on daily life, and its sub scales present association with it intensity and with auditory and behavioural factors in a population with dizziness. Materials and Methods: It were recruited 94 subjects who complaints of dizziness, in an university clinical in João Pessoa/PB. They answered a questionnaire about demographic, auditory and clinical information of dizziness and the DHI-BV in order to evaluate perceived handicap due to dizziness. Therefore, they referred the intensity of the dizziness in a visual analog scale. Descriptive statistics was used for analysis, as well as correlation between DHI-BV measures and dizziness intensity and measures of association between DHI-BV and auditive and behavioural variables. Results: Mean DHI-BV indicates a moderate level of perceived handicap and is correlated with dizziness intensity. Association could be found between DHI-BV, presence or not of tinnitus, falls and physical exercises. Conclusion: DHI should used as a complementary instrument or even as a screening instrument in order to assess perceived handicap due to dizziness and refer those patients to specialised medical services. DESCRIPTORS: Dizziness. Disabled Persons. Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms.