Evidence-based management of patients with vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance at an Australian metropolitan health service: an observational study of clinical practice

Abstract

AIM: To determine whether patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with possible benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are managed in accordance with best practice guidelines, and whether physiotherapists are involved in their care. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-six consecutive patients presenting to one of three EDs with vertigo, dizziness or imbalance symptoms documented at triage. Individuals with a clear non-vestibular cause of symptoms were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportional adherence to clinical practice guidelines by medical and physiotherapy clinicians, primary diagnosis, incidence of falls, admission to hospital, and referral..