Original articles
Questionnaire survey to evaluate the features of Post Earthquake Dizziness Syndrome in Hokkaido
2020 Volume 79 Issue 4 Pages 251-256
Details
2020 Volume 79 Issue 4 Pages 251-256
Objective: To investigate the features of the Post Earthquake Dizziness Syndrome (PEDS) in Hokkaido by a questionnaire survey.
Methods: A total of 50 patients with any kinds of vestibular disorders who experienced the huge earthquake in Hokkaido on September 6, 2018, were enrolled in this study. The characteristic symptoms in the patients with PEDS were investigated by a questionnaire survey.
Result: Of the 50, 19 patients (38.0%) reported suffering from PEDS. The number of women with PEDS was significantly higher than the number of men (53.6% vs. 18.2%). There was no significant correlation between the age and the presence risk of PEDS. The typical symptom of PEDS was dizziness in the sitting position while indoors, the symptom disappearing within a minute.
Conclusion: Patients with PEDS were detected after the earthquake in Hokkaido, similar to the case after other huge earthquakes in Japan. It is speculated that disturbances of the vestibular organs and psychological stress underlie the development of PEDS.
