This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between dizziness and future falls and related injuries in older adults.
EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, and PsycINFO databases were searched from inception to 5 February 2024. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022371839). Meta-analyses were conducted for the associations of dizziness with future falls (including recurrent and injurious falls). Three meta-analyses were performed on different outcomes: any-type falls (1+ falls), recurrent falls (2+ falls), and injurious falls.
Twenty-nine articles were included in the systematic review (N=103,306 participants). In a meta-analysis of 14 articles (N=46,795 participants), dizziness was associated with significantly higher odds of any-type future falls (OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.44-1.84). In another meta-analysis involving 7 articles (N=5,630 participants), individuals with dizziness also had a significantly higher odds of future recurrent falls (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.62-2.42). For both meta-analyses, significant overall associations were observed even when adjusted for important confounding variables. In contrast, a meta-analysis (3 articles, N=46,631 participants) revealed a lack of significant association between dizziness and future injurious falls (OR=1.12, 95% CI=0.87-1.45).
Dizziness is an independent predictor of future falls in older adults. These findings emphasise the importance of recognising dizziness as a risk factor for falls and implementing appropriate interventions.
The findings from our review further underline the importance of including dizziness as part of a multicomponent falls assessment. We recommend that clinicians working in fall prevention should regularly ask older adults about any dizziness experienced. Those presenting with dizziness should undergo a thorough neuro-otological and cardiovascular assessment to identify the specific cause of symptoms.
BPPV
Falls
