High Frequency And Adverse Impact Of Vertigo And Dizziness In Multiple Sclerosis

Objective: Using the North American Research Committee on Multiple Sclerosis (NARCOMS) Registry data, we examined factors that worsened the level and impact of dizziness or vertigo (DOV) in persons with MS. Background Few prior studies examined the frequency or impact of DOV in MS. Design/Methods: In 2004, registry participants answered questions regarding DOV, including what factors aggravated their symptoms, and how their symptoms influenced their daily activities. Results: 8123 participants completed the questionnaire, of whom 74.5% were women, 96.6% white, and 70.2% married/ co-habiting. Their mean (SD) age of symptom onset was 30.3 (9.7) years and median (IQR) score on Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) was 4 (1-6). Nearly all participants reported at least some difficulty with DOV (N = 8122). DOV frequently worsened with head movement (56.0%), bending over (54.5%) and looking upward (47.5%), but infrequently with turning over in bed (19.4%). As compared to men, women more often reported that looking up (p=0.003), head movement (p Conclusions: Dizziness or vertigo are frequent, limit daily activities, and adversely affect relationships in MS. More effective management is needed. Supported by: NARCOMS is a CMSC project. Disclosure: Dr. Marrie has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cutter has received personal compensation for activities with Sanofi-Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cleveland Clinic, Daiichi Pharmaceutical Corporation, GlaxoSmithKline, Inc., Genmab Biopharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly & Company, Medivation, Modigenetech, Ono Pharmaceutical, PTC Therapeutics, Teva Neuroscience, Vivus, University of Pennsylvania, NHLBI, NINDS, NMSS, Alexion, Bayhill Therapeutics, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Celgene, Novartis, Consortium of MS Centers, Genzyme Corporation, Klein-Buendel Incorporated, Nuron Biotech, Peptimmune, Somnus Pharmaceuticals, Sandoz, University of Texas Southwestern and Visioneering Technologies, Inc. Dr. Cutter has received compensation for serving on the board of Pythagoras, INC. Dr. Cutter has received research support from various pharmaceutical corporations. Dr. Tyry has nothing to disclose.