Despite the absent evidence for the effectiveness of AVDs for non-vestibular dizziness, GPs prescribed AVDs during the first consultation in 9.2% of older patients with non-vestibular dizziness. Although this is not exceptionally high (Bregnh0j reported prescribing of ineffective medication in 6% of all GP prescriptions5), AVDs may cause serious side effects, like dystonia and parkinsonism.'-7 Next to this, prescribing ineffective drugs may distract from the preferred approach of non-vestibular dizziness in older patients: a systematic exploration of possible contributory causes of dizziness that are amenable to treatment.8 Reasons for irrational prescribing of AVDs may be the perceived medical need of the patient, patients' expectations, or doctors (incorrect) perceptions of patients' expectations.
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