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.
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.
Authors: Linda J D'Silva; Hinrich Staecker; James Lin; Kevin J Sykes; Milind A Phadnis; Tamara M McMahon; Dan Connolly; Carla H Sabus; Susan L Whitney; Patricia M Kluding Journal: J Vestib Res Date: 2016 Impact factor: 2.435