FREQUENCY AND CLINICAL PATTERNS OF VERTIGO

Background: Vertigo, a sensation of spinning or dizziness, is a common yet under recognized complaint in medical practice. It is associated with significant morbidity and impacts quality of life. Early diagnosis and management depend on proper clinical recognition of its subtypes. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, clinical features, and etiological subtypes of vertigo among patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at teaching hospital. A total of 100 patients presenting with vertigo were evaluated through structured interviews, clinical examination, and relevant investigations. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: The mean age of participants was 45.3 ± 13.2 years. Females (62%) were more commonly affected than males (38%). The most prevalent type of vertigo was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) (42%), followed by vestibular migraine (21%), Meniere’s disease (16%), and central vertigo (11%). Anxiety-associated vertigo was seen in 10% of cases. A significant association was observed between age group and type of vertigo (p < 0.05). BPPV was more frequent among older individuals, whereas vestibular migraine and anxiety-related dizziness were more common in younger adults. Conclusion: Vertigo is a frequent presenting complaint in clinical settings in Pakistan, predominantly due to peripheral causes such as BPPV. Awareness about its types and risk factors can facilitate early diagnosis and improve patient outcomes. Keywords: Vertigo, BPPV, vestibular migraine and dizziness