Referrals to a Specialised Dizziness Clinic often Result in Revised Diagnoses and New Therapeutic Advice

Background: Patients with dizziness are frequently referred to specialised centres for a second opinion. The incremental diagnostic and therapeutic yield of this approach has rarely been studied. Aim of the Study: How often is a new diagnosis or treatment advice given to patients with dizziness who are referred for a second opinion to a tertiary multi-disciplinary expertise centre? Methods: In a prospective observational study, the following data were collected: reason for referral, diagnosis and treatment made by ENT surgeon and a neurologist in consensus. Results: In the complete group of patients (n = 327), a new (or amended) diagnosis was made in 54% and 62% of the patients received a new treatment advice. Conclusion: Referral of selected dizzy patients to a multidisciplinary centre provides a revised diagnosis or treatment recommendation for a majority of patients. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel