Section: 
Otiology
OtiologyStructure of vestibular disorders among patients seeking specialized care in the Republic of Karelia (2009–2024)
E. N. Kravtsova (1), A. Yu. Meigal (2), L. V. Shchegoleva (3), L. I. Gerasimova-Meigal (4), V. V. Dvoryanchikov (5)
(1), (2), (3), (4) Petrozavodsk State University, Petrozavodsk, 185910, Russian Federation, (5) Saint Petersburg Institute of Ear, Throat, Nose and Speech, Saint Petersburg, 190013, Russian Federation
UDK: УДК 616.28-008.5-073.175:616.281(470.22)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2026-2-77-83
ABSTRACT
Abstract. Objective. To study the characteristics and clinical and demographic characteristics of vestibular disorders in patients seeking specialized care from an otoneurologist (otolaryngologist) in the Republic of Karelia (RK). Patients and methods. Тhe study was conducted on 1,397 patients who complained of dizziness and balance disorders who sought an appointment with an otoneurologist (otolaryngologist) in the period from September 2009 to October 2024. An analysis of the nosological structure of diagnoses, their distribution by gender and age was conducted. Results. The proportion of central vestibular disorders was 49.9% (n = 697) of cases, peripheral ones — 50.1% (n = 700). The most common cause of peripheral vertigo was benign paroxysmal position vertigo (BPPV, 32.4%, n = 453), followed by the vestibular neuritis (7.0%, n = 98). Among central disorders, the leading places were vestibular migraine, persistent postural-perceptual vertigo (PPPV), and cerebrovascular insufficiency. Women accounted for 66.1% (n = 923) of all patients seeking treatment. Middle-aged individuals (45–59 years) sought more often 37.0% (n = 517). The prevalence of bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH) was 6.11 per 100,000 population, which is lower than data published by other authors and may indicate underdiagnosis. Conclusion. The structure of vestibular disorders in the Republic of Karelia is consistent with data from other epidemiological studies. The obtained results show the predominance of central causes of vestibular disorders in otoneurological practice and the need to increase the awareness of physicians of other specialties regarding the diagnosis of BVH, especially in elderly patients with comorbid pathology.?
Publication date:
15.04.2026
Keywords:
dizziness, vestibular disorders, epidemiology, peripheral vestibular dysfunction, central vestibular dysfunction, prevalence, Republic of Karelia? For citation:
Kravtsova E. N., Meigal A. Yu., Shchegoleva L. V., Gerasimova-Meigal L. I., Dvoryanchikov V. V. Structure of vestibular disorders among patients seeking specialized care in the Republic of Karelia (2009–2024). Russian Otorhinolaryngology. 2026;25(2):77-83. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.18692/1810-4800-2026-2-77-83