Bilateral vestibular hypofunction in the Amazon region: clinical-epidemiological aspects and impact on quality of life

Abstract

Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) treated in the Otoneurology sector of the Otorhinolaryngology Service at the University Hospital of Pará. Methods: Cross-sectional study with retrospective and prospective approaches, including patients diagnosed with BVH between 2019 and 2024. Data collection was performed through medical record review and in-person interviews, which confirmed information and applied the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). Results: During the period, 3,456 patients were evaluated and 64 were diagnosed with BVH (1.85%). The sample was predominantly female (60.9%), with a mean age of 57 years, mostly born in Pará. The most frequent symptoms were imbalance (89.1%), difficulty on uneven surfaces (67.2%), difficulty in the dark (46.9%), and blurred vision with head movement (53.1%). Auditory symptoms occurred in 78.1%. On the DHI, 50% showed moderate impact, 29.7% mild, and 20.3% severe. No statistical association was found between sociodemographic variables and functional impact, although greater severity was observed in men and younger adults. Conclusion: Although rare, BVH shows wide clinical variability and significant functional impact, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate follow-up.