RESUMO
Objetivo aferir a prevalência de tontura em idosos participantes de um grupo de convivência do Sistema Único de Saúde localizado em centro de especialidades e assistência à saúde do idoso no município de Natal-RN. Métodos estudo prospectivo. Para estatística, utilizou-se análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados foram entrevistados 50 idosos, com idades entre 60 e 88 anos. A prevalência de tontura nesta população foi de 74%. Destes, 35,1% apresentavam apenas vertigem; 13,5% apresentavam vertigem associada a outro tipo de tontura; 24,3% apresentavam desequilíbrio; 8,1% flutuação; 16,2% pré-síncope; e 2,7% flutuação e pré-síncope. Em relação à duração da tontura, 48,6% tinham duração de segundos. Quanto à presença de sintomas otoneurológicos associados, 48,64% referiram sintomas neurovegetativos, 56,8% tinham zumbido, 56,8% apresentavam hipoacusia e 43,2% apresentavam plenitude aural. Referente a outras alterações, 10,8% não usava óculos; 2,7% usavam aparelho auditivo e 8,1% usavam bengalas, 48% tinham 2 ou mais doenças associadas e 40% faziam uso de 3 ou mais medicamentos ao dia. Comparando-se os pacientes com tontura e os sem tontura, achou-se RP de 0,947 para número de comorbidades e 0,971 para número de medicamentos. Na comparação entre idosos com vertigem e outros tipos de tontura, achou-se RP de 1,197 para zumbido, 1,050 para plenitude aural, 2,111 para sintomas neurovegetativos, 0,480 para duração da tontura, 0,528 para número de comorbidades e 0,758 para número de medicamentos. Conclusão conclui-se que a tontura é um sintoma bastante prevalente no idoso da comunidade assim como a presença de co-morbidades e uso de vários medicamentos. .
Purpose to measure the prevalence of dizziness in elderly participants of a living group of a brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) referral center located in the city of Natal-RN. Methods prospective study. Fifty individuals were interviewed, aged between 60 and 88 years. Data were studied through descriptive analysis. Results the prevalence of dizziness in this population was 74%, from which 35.1% had only vertigo, 13.5% had vertigo associated to other types of dizziness, 24.3% had imbalance, 8.1% sensation of floating, 16.2% had presyncope, and 2.7 % had sensation of floating and presyncope. About duration of dizziness, for 48.6%, it lasted in seconds. About otoneurologic symptoms, 48.64% had neurovegetative symptoms, 56.8% had tinnitus, 56.8% had hearing loss, 43.2% had ear fullness. Regarding other problems, 10.8% did not wear glasses; 2.7% wore hearing aids, 8.1% used canes, 48% had two or more associated diseases and 40% was using three or more medications daily. Comparing dizzy and not dizzy patients, it was found a prevalence ratio (PR) of 0.947 for number of comorbidities and 0.971 for number of medications. When elderly with vertigo and other types of dizziness were compared, it was found a RP 1.197 for tinnitus, 1.050 for ear fullness, 2.111 for neurovegetative symptoms, 0.480 for duration of dizziness, 0.528 for number of comorbidities and 0.758 for number of medications. Conclusion we conclude that dizziness is a very prevalent symptom in the elderly, coexisting with co-morbidities and use of multiple medications. .
RESUMO
Vector electronystagmography is widely used to evaluate vestibular function; however, elderly patients may show changes not due to vestibular disorders. Aim: This study aims to characterize vector electronystagmography tests in the elderly participants in a service station of the Brazilian public health system, the Unified Health System (SUS) in the city of Natal, who presented with dizziness. Methods A cross-sectional and clinical study to characterize the vector electronystagmography in 10 members of an elderly SUS referral center located in the city of Natal with dizziness. Results: Of 10 patients interviewed, 9 were women, and just 1 was a man. All complained of dizziness in the last year, and most of them had more than one type of dizziness. The main differential diagnosis was benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Regarding vector electronystagmography, we found 20% of patients with semispontaneous nystagmus in at least one direction and changes in saccades latency in 100% of patients, with 20% in relation to the accuracy of pendular tracking changes at the frequency of 0.2 Hz, 10% at 0.4 Hz, and 80% at 0.8 Hz, and 10% change in optokinetic gain. No patient had altered caloric test. Conclusion Vector electronystagmography alterations in the elderly do not always indicate disease...