Perceived sense of direction in persons with dizziness and balance disorders

Background Sense of direction (SOD) can be affected in patients with vestibular dysfunction. Objective To record differences in self-perceived sense of direction using the Santa Barbara Sense of Direction scale (SBSOD) in persons with dizziness and balance disorders over time. To determine relationships between self-perceived sense of direction and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, and Gait Disorientation Test (GDT). Methods In this prospective cohort study, 56 participants completed the SBSOD at three time points: self-recalled SOD before dizziness onset (pre-dizziness), SOD at initial evaluation (SBSOD-Eval), and SOD 3 months post-evaluation (SBSOD-3M). Participants completed DHI, ABC, and GDT at baseline. Repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation were used for analysis. Results Mean SBSOD scores were 4.8 (SD ± 1.1) pre-dizziness; 4.6 (SD ± 1.1) at evaluation; and 4.5 (SD ± 1.2) at 3 months. Significant differences were found between pre-dizziness versus evaluation ( p = .03) and pre-dizziness versus three months ( p = .02). SBSOD-Eval had significant negative correlation with DHI total score (r = −0.3, p = .019), significant positive correlation with ABC score (r = 0.4, p < .001), and no correlation with GDT. Conclusions On average, participants reported that their sense of direction was worse after the onset of dizziness. A better SBSOD was significantly correlated with higher disability levels and better balance confidence.