Recurrent vestibulopathy: natural course and prognostic factors

Objective: To evaluate the natural course of recurrent vestibulopathy. Study design: Retrospective analysis. Patients: One hundred and five adult patients with attacks of vertigo without auditory or neurological symptoms. Methods: A structured interview was conducted over the telephone, 12 to 62 months after the patient's first visit to the out-patient department. Results: Two-thirds of patients experienced spontaneous resolution of vertigo. while one-third continued to have symptoms. The diagnosis was subsequently changed to migraine in 2 per cent of patients and to Meniere's disease in 1 per cent. Conclusion: The prognosis for patients with recurrent vestibulopathy is good. In a few cases, the diagnosis is provisional and will be subsequently changed to migraine or Meniere's disease.