Balance Disorder Trends in US Adults 2008‐2016: Epidemiology and Functional Impact

Abstract

Abstract Objective To quantify the changes in prevalence and impact of dizziness and balance disorders in adults from 2008 to 2016. Study Design Epidemiological survey analysis. Setting United States. Methods The balance modules of the adult 2008 and 2016 National Health Interview Surveys were examined, and persons reporting dizziness or balance problems identified. The prevalence of balance problems was determined and compared over time, adjusting for age and sex. Among those with balance problems, associated symptoms and self‐reported functional limitations were quantified and compared over time. Results In 2016, 36.8 ± 1.0 million (15.5% ± 0.3%) adults reported a balance problem in the past year, versus 24.2 ± 0.7 million (11.% ± 0.3%) in 2008 (p .05). Conclusion In this nationally representative analysis, we found a significantly increasing prevalence of balance problems and associated psychiatric symptom burden. This merits attention with respect to present and future health care resource allocation.

Keywords

• anxiety
• balance disorder
• depression
• dizziness
• epidemiology
• vertigo