Vertigo in first and third world patients

Abstract

In Karachi (Pakistan) during 1982-83 a total number of 104 patients were assessed and this group was compared and contrasted with another group of Patients in Kirkcaldy. More males presented in Karachi (66) and more females in Kirkcaldy (65). Karachi patients were younger in age; older patients were more frequent in Kirkcald;(Caloric Test was positive in 70 patients in Karachi but only in 25 patients in Kirkcaldy. The commonest diagnosis in Karachi was Meniere`s disease (52%) tiS compared to cervical vertigo in Kirkcaldy (25%). Benign Positional vertigo is less common in Karachi (4%). There are no cases of Vertigo due to Streptomycin toxicity in Kirkcaldy compared to 6 cases in Karachi. The number of Acoustic Neuromas and Vestibular Neuronitis was similar at both sites. More cases were undiagnosed in Kirkcaldy (33%) as compared to Karachi (14%) and here psychosomatic factors may be playing a part. The follow up was 98% in Kirkcaldy as compared to 40% in Karachi. This may be due to facilities in management and rehabilitation. Grants apparatus for Caloric testing does not work in summer when the temperature is high. It should have a cooling mechanism for hot countries.