Correlates of Vertigo Attacks in Ménière’s Disease

Abstract

Background: Ménière’s disease is a medical condition that involves hearing loss, tinnitus and attacks of vertigo. The attacks can be severely disabling with nausea, dizziness, and aural sensations. Method: Three scales assessing the correlates of vertigo attacks in Ménière’s disease were developed and completed by 514 subjects diagnosed with the disease. The three scales measured were somatic sensations (SOM), psychological state (PSYCHOL), and situational characteristics (SIT) associated with an attack. Results: Psychometric properties of the three scales were investigated showing Cronbach’s alphas of 0.76, 0.80, and 0.62 for the three scales respectively. The results on the scales were related to disease progression. Principal components factor analyses showed that the SOM scale could be divided into two subscales: dizziness/vertigo/anxiety and sensations in the ear. The PSYCHOL scale showed an energy/awareness factor and a negative emotional state factor. The SIT scale, finally, showed two factors: environmental disturbances and stressful conditions. Conclusions: Knowledge of somatic, psychological and situational premonitory characteristics of attacks in Ménière’s disease could lead to improved therapy and counselling.

Patients’ psychological well-being and resilient coping protect from secondary somatoform vertigo and dizziness (SVD) 1 year after vestibular disease

“…Other studies described a significantly negative correlation between mental disorders and the SOC [16,17]. Especially avoidance behavior as one maladaptive coping strategy reached significant predictive value for extensive handicap in patients with MD [23]. SOC was identified as a preventive factor for anxiety, depression, and distress [36].…”

Symptoms experienced by patients with peripheral vestibular disorders: evaluation of the Vertigo Symptom Scale for clinical application

“…Hence, somatic anxiety symptoms did not occurred as prominent symptoms during an episode of dizziness when having peripheral vestibular disorders but symptoms of emotional distress and stress did to a higher degree. Earlier studies have emerged where the presence of anxiety in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders has ranged from being rather prominent 14 to rather low 15,16 . Stress is a very wide concept and can be divided into physical, mental or emotional stress 17 .…”

Disease Profiling for Computerized Peer Support of Ménière's Disease

“…Söderman et al have indicated that personality traits measured with sense of coherence scale correlated with disability in Ménière’s disease [45]. Hägnebo et al evaluated the psychological correlates of vertigo attacks and studied 514 subjects diagnosed with the condition [47]. Principal component analyses showed that the somatic sensation scale could be divided into 2 subscales: (1) dizziness, vertigo, and anxiety, and (2) sensations in the ear.…”