Dizziness in older adults is a complex, often multifactorial condition that can lead to an increased risk of falls, heightened anxiety, and loss of independence. Its nonspecific presentation complicates accurate diagnosis and treatment planning given the potential involvement of vestibular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or psychological systems....
Applying the ICF framework to atypical psychogenic dizziness in older adults may support more holistic assessment, but a single case report is too preliminary to justify a change in routine practice.
Psychogenic dizziness is commonly under-recognised in older adults; a structured ICF-based approach could improve multidisciplinary care pathways, though evidence from larger studies is needed.
- 01Single case report of an older adult with suspected atypical chronic psychogenic dizziness.
- 02ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) model applied for differential diagnosis and management.
- 03Assessment addressed fall risk, anxiety, and preservation of independence.
- 04Highlights the importance of biopsychosocial evaluation in chronic dizziness presentations.
- 05Findings cannot be generalised beyond this single case.
The ICF model can support differential diagnosis and management of atypical chronic psychogenic dizziness in older adults.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42165378
- DOI
- 10.1080/09593985.2026.2676081.
- Journal
- Physiotherapy Theory and Practice
- Publication type
- case_report
- Evidence level
- 4
- Sample size
- 1
- Population
- Single older adult with suspected atypical chronic psychogenic dizziness
- Intervention
- ICF model-based differential diagnosis and management approach
Primary outcomes
Differential diagnosis accuracy; Fall risk assessment; Functional independence