Over a 2-year period from 2013 to 2014, we performed a clinical study at our center of 1,068 patients with a chief complaint of dizziness/equilibrium disorder. The ratio of males to females was 2: 3, with the highest proportion of men in their 60s. The distribution of females was bimodal, with the highest proportions of females in their 40s, 60s, and 70s. The majority of referrals were directly received at our department, but the next most was introductions from otolaryngology practitioners. Peripheral vestibular disorder accounted for approximately 77% of all cases, among which BPPV, Ménière's disease, and vestibular neuritis were observed in ascending order. Cerebrovascular accidents were observed in approximately 9% of all cases. We demonstrate the importance of the use of diagnostic criteria during examinations for dizziness. A higher proportion of referred cases had BPPV and Ménière's disease and many referrals were from otolaryngology practitioners, which suggest that refractory cases are also included in the preset study population. The utility of nystagmus examination in the emergency room and during consultations may improve diagnostic accuracy in such cases. Although undiagnosed cases are included in any clinical study, we believe further improvements in diagnostic techniques will have greater utility than the use of follow-up for diagnostic confirmation.
