• Claudine Murphy, Ciaran Reinhardt, David Linehan, Roulla Katiri, and Ann O'Connor.
• Department of Otolaryngology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2022 Feb 1; 191 (1): 385-389.

BackgroundInternational studies show that dizziness and vertigo are a significant burden on the general population, with 20-30% experiencing symptoms over a lifetime. There are no Irish studies indicating prevalence. The aim of this study was to review primary care referrals for patients with dizziness and vertigo to an otolaryngology tertiary centre.MethodsA review of an out-patient department waiting list was performed on primary care referrals for dizziness and vertigo to an otolaryngology tertiary centre. Demographic information was recorded on all patients referred between May 2017 and August 2019.ResultsTwo hundred fifteen patients out of 901 patients (24%) referred to an otologist between May 2017 and August 2019 were referred with dizziness as a presenting complaint. The average age was 51 years. F/M ratio was 3:2. The average waiting time was 441 days. The most common associated otological symptom was tinnitus (42%). Relevant comorbidities included anxiety, depression, migraine/headaches and cardiac disease.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that a significant number of patients referred to an otologist from primary care are referred with dizziness and vertigo and supports the need for the establishment of multi-disciplinary vestibular/balance centres to address and manage these patients.© 2021. Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.

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