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Dizziness Presentations in U.S. Emergency Departments, 1995–2004

Kevin A. Kerber MD

From the Department of Neurology (KAK, WJM), the Department of Otolaryngology (KAK), the Department of Emergency Medicine (WJM), and the Department of Internal Medicine (AMF), University of Michigan Health Systems, Ann Arbor, MI; and the Center for Statistical Consultation and Research (BTW) and the Department of Health Management and Policy (AMF), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

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William J. Meurer MD,

William J. Meurer MD

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Brady T. West MA,

Brady T. West MA

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A. Mark Fendrick MD,

A. Mark Fendrick MD

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Kevin A. Kerber MD,

Kevin A. Kerber MD

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William J. Meurer MD,

William J. Meurer MD

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Brady T. West MA,

Brady T. West MA

Search for more papers by this author

A. Mark Fendrick MD,

A. Mark Fendrick MD

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First published: 18 August 2008

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1553-2712.2008.00189.x

Citations: 156

Address for correspondence and reprints: Kevin A. Kerber, MD; e-mail: [email protected].

This work was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant K23 RR024009 and the University of Michigan Department of Neurology.

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Abstract

Objectives: The objectives were to describe presentation characteristics and health care utilization information pertaining to dizziness presentations in U.S. emergency departments (EDs) from 1995 through 2004.

Methods: From the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), patient visits to EDs for “vertigo-dizziness” were identified. Sample data were weighted to produce nationally representative estimates. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and health care utilization information were obtained. Trends over time were assessed using weighted least squares regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to control for the influence of age on the probability of a vertigo-dizziness visit during the study time period.

Results: Vertigo-dizziness presentations accounted for 2.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.4% to 2.6%) of all ED presentations during this 10-year period. From 1995 to 2004, the rate of visits for vertigo-dizziness increased by 37% and demonstrated a significant linear trend (p < 0.001). Even after adjusting for age (and other covariates), every increase in year was associated with increased odds of a vertigo-dizziness visit. At each visit, a median of 3.6 diagnostic or screening tests (95% CI = 3.2 to 4.1) were performed. Utilization of many tests increased over time (p < 0.01). The utilization of computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (CT/MRI) increased 169% from 1995 to 2004, which was more than any other test. The rate of central nervous system diagnoses (e.g., cerebrovascular disease or brain tumor) did not increase over time.

Conclusions: In terms of number of visits and important utilization measures, the impact of dizziness presentations on EDs is substantial and increasing. CT/MRI utilization rates have increased more than any other test.

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Volume15, Issue8

August 2008

Pages 744-750

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