Balance disorders among walk-in patients in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Ear, Nose And Throat (ENT) clinic: An exploratory study
Introduction: The epidemiological studies of balance disorder symptoms in Malaysia are still understudied, therefore this research sought to explore this issue among the walk-in patients at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) clinic in Kuantan, Pahang....
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Kulliyyah (Faculty) of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia
2016
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/75690/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/75690/ http://irep.iium.edu.my/75690/1/75690%20Balance%20disorders%20among%20walk-in%20patients.pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: The epidemiological studies of balance disorder symptoms in Malaysia are
still understudied, therefore this research sought to explore this issue among the walk-in
patients at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
clinic in Kuantan, Pahang. Methods: The study aimed to 1) observe the association of
common balance disorder symptoms with factors like gender, ethnicity and age groups; 2)
reveal the patterns of cases with each of the balance disorder symptom according to
factors in 1); and 3) determine the pattern of balance disorders in this clinic. This study
took place between February and April of 2016. The medical records of these patients
were examined after services by ENT doctors. To extract the data, these documents were
reviewed using a medical record review checklist. Results: A total of 92 medical records
were reviewed. They consisted of 45.6% male and 54.4% female; Malay (60.8%), Chinese
(27.2%), Indian (10.9%) and others (1.1%); these patients were from 3 months to 69 years
old. Only 13 (14.1%) out of these cases presented with balance disorders. The findings
indicated no association (p > 0.05) between each of the balance symptom and the
demographic factors. Out of the 13 cases; the most frequent symptoms observed were
headache (76.9%), imbalance (53.8%) and vertigo (46.2%). The peripheral vestibular
disorder was found as the most common diagnosis of balance disorder; benign paroxysmal
positional vertigo (BPPV) (4) and Meniere’s disease (1). Both of the disorders showed
vertigo, vomiting, headache and blur vision. Conclusions: It is crucial to understand the
symptoms of balance disorders, particularly for a Malaysian population as it can enhance
the clinical services and its quality of treatment or rehabilitation. |
|---|