Cultural adaptation and validation of the Ukrainian version of the Vertigo Symptom Scale

Vertigo (dizziness) is a common symptom affecting 20-30 % of adults annually. Standardized assessment tools, such as the Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS), are important for objectifying diagnosis and monitoring treatment but have not yet been adapted for use in Ukraine. The aim. To conduct translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Ukrainian version of the Vertigo Symptom Scale. Materials and methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted involving 86 patients (50 with vestibular and 36 with psychogenic vertigo). A two-stage translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the questionnaire were performed. Reliability (Cronbach's α test, test-retest), convergent and discriminant validity, and sensitivity to change were evaluated. Results. High internal consistency of the questionnaire was found (Cronbach's α = 0.853-0.880), reliability in repeated testing (ICC = 0.808), and strong correlation with the visual analogue scale (r = 0.823, p = 0.0001). The questionnaire demonstrated the ability to differentiate between vestibular and psychogenic vertigo (p = 0.002) and high sensitivity to changes after treatment (Cohen's d = 8.131). Conclusions. The Ukrainian version of VSS is a reliable and valid tool for assessing the severity of vertigo symptoms and can be recommended for use in clinical practice and research.