| Title: |
Sex and gender aspects in vestibular disorders: current knowledge and emerging perspectives - A systematic review. |
| Authors: |
Franz L; Frosolini A; Parrino D; Badin G; Pavone C; Cenedese R; Vitturi A; Terenzani M; Babb CN; de Filippis C; Zanoletti E; Marioni G |
| Contributors: |
Franz, L; Frosolini, A; Parrino, D; Badin, G; Pavone, C; Cenedese, R; Vitturi, A; Terenzani, M; Babb, Cn; De Filippis, C; Zanoletti, E; Marioni, G |
| Publication Year: |
2026 |
| Collection: |
Padua Research Archive (IRIS - Università degli Studi di Padova) |
| Subject Terms: |
gender medicine; sex; vestibular disorder; vertigo; balance |
| Description: |
Background/Objectives: As precision medicine advances, attention to sex and gender determinants across epidemiological and clinical domains has intensified. However, in the audio-vestibular field, knowledge on sex- and gender-related aspects remains relatively limited. The main aim of this review has been to analyze the available gender medicine-based evidence in vestibular disorders. In particular, our investigation considered the following: (i) pathophysiology and clinical presentation, including differences in predominant signs and symptoms, diagnostic modalities and findings, underlying biological mechanisms associated with vestibular disorders across sex-specific groups; (ii) prognostic variables, including response to treatment, recovery rates, and long-term functional outcomes; (iii) the potential role of sex- and gender-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the management of vestibular disorders. Methods: Our protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025641292). A literature search was conducted screening PubMed, Scopus andWeb of Science databases. After removal of duplicates and implementation of our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 67 included studies were identified and analyzed. Results: Several studies reported a higher incidence of vestibular dysfunctions among females, with proposed associations involving hormonal fluctuations, calcium metabolism and vitamin D. Estrogen receptors within the inner ear and their regulatory effects on calcium homeostasis have been proposed as potential mechanisms underlying these sex-specific differences. Furthermore, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and differential health-seeking behaviors between males and females may also modulate disease expression and clinical course. Conclusions: Gender-specific variables could not be independently analyzed because none of the included studies systematically reported gender-related data, representing a limitation of the available evidence. Current evidence suggests the presence of sex-related differences in the ... |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
ELETTRONICO |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
volume:16; firstpage:197; journal:DIAGNOSTICS; https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3574780 |
| DOI: |
10.3390/diagnostics16020197 |
| Availability: |
https://hdl.handle.net/11577/3574780; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16020197 |
| Rights: |
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess ; license:Creative commons ; license uri:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.A30AFFC6 |
| Database: |
BASE |