Perceived sense of direction in persons with dizziness and balance disorders

Abstract

Background

Sense of direction (SOD) can be affected in patients with vestibular dysfunction.

Objective

To record differences in self-perceived sense of direction using the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale (SBSOD) in persons with dizziness and balance disorders over time. To determine relationships between self-perceived sense of direction and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and Gait Disorientation Test (GDT).

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 56 participants completed the SBSOD at three time points: self-recalled SOD before dizziness onset (pre-dizziness), SOD at initial evaluation (SBSOD-Eval), and SOD 3 months post-evaluation (SBSOD-3M). Participants completed DHI, ABC, and GDT at baseline. Repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation were used for analysis.

Results

Mean SBSOD scores were 4.8 (SD ± 1.1) pre-dizziness; 4.6 (SD ± 1.1) at evaluation; and 4.5 (SD ± 1.2) at 3 months. Significant differences were found between pre-dizziness versus evaluation (p = .03) and pre-dizziness versus three months (p = .02). SBSOD-Eval had significant negative correlation with DHI total score (r = −0.3, p = .019), significant positive correlation with ABC score (r = 0.4, p < .001), and no correlation with GDT.

Conclusions

On average, participants reported that their sense of direction was worse after the onset of dizziness. A better SBSOD was significantly correlated with higher disability levels and better balance confidence.