RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of dizziness on quality of life (QOL) in Meniere's disease (MD) patients. METHODS OF STUDY: Fifty definite MD patients were submitted to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), in and out of crisis. The DHI scores were correlated to age, sex, race, disease duration, unilateral/bilateral labyrinth involvement, duration/frequency of vertigo attacks, vestibular and auditory function, aural fullness, tinnitus, imbalance and functional disabilities. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. RESULTS: During crisis, all DHI aspects scores were statistically higher (p < 0.001) than out of crisis. Out of crisis, a statistically significant correlation was found between physical, functional and total scores and bilateral involvement. CONCLUSIONS: QOL impairment is worse during a Meniere's crisis. Out of crisis, QOL impairment is greater in patients with bilateral involvement.