Author(s)
Sophia E. Albanese, BA
Kaitlin Hori, BS
Zachary Thompson, BS
David R. Friedland, MD PhD
Janet S. Choi, MD MPH
Affiliation(s)
University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
Abstract:
Educational Objective: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participants should be able to describe the prevalence and symptomology of dizziness -- specifically vertigo -- among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults, including falls and associated healthcare utilization, and to apply knowledge of dizziness symptomology to inform fall prevention strategies in clinical practice.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence and characteristics of dizziness symptoms, with a focus on vertigo, among U.S. adults, and evaluate falls, injuries, and healthcare utilization.
Study Design: Cross-sectional, population based study.
Methods: Study cohort included adults aged 20-69 years (n=6,034) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021-2023 with completed data on symptoms of vertigo, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, fall history, and healthcare utilization. Survey weights were applied to generate nationally representative estimates. Multivariable regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with dizziness, falls, injuries, and healthcare utilization.
Results: The weighted prevalence of dizziness in the past year was 35.3% (95% CI: 32.7-35.7%), while the prevalence of vertigo was 18.23% (95% CI: 16.53-20.08%), representing 92 million and 48 million U.S. adults, respectively. Among those with vertigo, 2.9% (95% CI: 2.5-3.3%) reported experiencing vertigo only, while 15.4% (95% CI: 14.5-16.3%) reported vertigo and other dizziness symptoms. Of those reporting vertigo, 71.1% (95% CI: 67.5-74.3%) fell in the past year and 45.5% (95% CI: 40.6-50.4%) sustained fall related injuries. While 52.7% (95% CI: 47.6-57.7%) of adults with vertigo saw a healthcare professional for balance problems, only 48.0% (95% CI: 42.7-53.3%) reported trying treatment. No significant differences in fall rates, injury, or healthcare utilization were observed across different dizziness symptom subtypes (vertigo, lightheadedness, and unsteadiness).
Conclusions: Over one-third of U.S. adults report dizziness, and nearly one-fifth experience vertigo. Despite high rates of falls and injuries in this population, only half seek medical care. These findings highlight a gap in dizziness related healthcare utilization, underscoring the need for improved screening and fall prevention strategies in clinical settings.