Correspondence
Not Trivial
A detailed explanation of the causes and treatment options for dizziness in old age was long overdue and very clearly shows the complexities of an interdisciplinary approach (1). Because the problem is so common it is often regarded as trivial and as a “normal” movement disorder in old age—and all this when the risk of secondary complications, such as falls and psychological comorbidities, is extremely high. However, what would have been worth adding to the review article is the option of administering non-sedative medications that act on the symptoms and of betahistine as the medical of choice in endolymphatic hydrops. Adjusting people’s living environment and residences can also contribute crucially to avoiding falls as the most common complication.
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2016.0059a
Dr. med. Uso Walter
HNO-Gemeinschaftspraxis, Duisburg
hnowalter@t-online.de
Conflict of interest statement
Dr Walter has received honoraria for lectures from Henning AM.
| 1. | Jahn K, Kressig RW, Bridenbaugh SA, Brandt T, Schniepp R: Dizziness and unstable gait in old age—etiology, diagnosis and treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int 2015; 112: 387–93 VOLLTEXT |
