Demographic, clinical, and paraclinical findings of patients with vertigo in Rafsanjan city

Introduction: Vertigo is a common clinical complaint with various underlying causes, making a clear understanding of patient characteristics essential for accurate diagnosis and management. This study aimed to investigate the age distribution, sex, medical history, and neurological symptoms in patients with vertigo. Methods: We collected data from 100 patients with complaints of vertigo who were referred to Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Hospital. Inclusion criteria included: 1) Age between 18 and 80 years, 2) A definitive diagnosis of true vertigo, and 3) Completion of the informed consent form. The collected information encompassed demographic characteristics, paraclinical evidence, and specifics of the vertigo. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (frequency) and inferential statistics (chi-square test) within a 95% confidence interval. Results: Of the patients, 84% were diagnosed with peripheral vertigo, 63% were women, and 39% were aged between 45 and 65 years. A significant relationship was found between the type of vertigo and paraclinical evidence (P<0.000), and history of stroke (P=0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between the type of vertigo and history of head trauma and transient ischemic attack (TIA) (P>0.05). Additionally, no correlation was observed between vertigo and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, auditory issues, or other neurological symptoms. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that the occurrence of central vertigo increases as people age. Most patients with abnormal paraclinical evidence were diagnosed with central vertigo, and many patients with a history of stroke experienced central vertigo. Therefore, it is important for physicians treating vertigo to provide appropriate management, carefully review patients’ medical histories and symptoms, and use paraclinical findings when needed.