Semin Neurol 2009; 29(5): 473-481
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1241043
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Vertigo: Epidemiologic Aspects

Hannelore K. Neuhauser1 , 2 , Thomas Lempert2 , 3
  • 1Department of Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
  • 2Department of Neurology, Vestibular Research Group, Charité, Berlin, Germany
  • 3Department of Neurology, Schlosspark-Klinik, Berlin, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 October 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Vertigo is a frequent symptom in the general population with a 12-month prevalence of 5% and an incidence of 1.4% in adults. Its prevalence rises with age and is about two to three times higher in women than in men. The epidemiology of vertigo and underlying specific vestibular disorders is still an underdeveloped field despite its usefulness for clinical decision making and its potential for improving patient care. In this article, the authors give an overview on the epidemiology of vertigo as a symptom and of four specific vestibular disorders: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, Ménière's disease, and vestibular neuritis.

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Hannelore K NeuhauserM.D. M.P.H. 

Department of Epidemiology, Robert Koch-Institut

General Pape Str. 62-66, D-12101 Berlin, Germany

Email: neuhauserh@rki.de

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