Preoperative identification of patients at risk of developing persistent dysequilibrium after acoustic neuroma removal.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to identify preoperative signs or symptoms that correlate with poor postoperative vestibular compensation after acoustic neuroma removal.


METHODS
The study design was a retrospective chart review.


METHODS
The study was conducted at a tertiary care center.


METHODS
A total of 210 patients who had acoustic neuromas removed via the retrosigmoid approach from January 1, 1990, to July 1, 1995, participated.


METHODS
Persistent dysequilibrium for > 3 months after surgery was measured.


RESULTS
Age (p = 0.002), gender (p = 0.007), presence of preoperative dysequilibrium (p = 0.005), duration of preoperative dysequilibrium > 3.5 months (p = 0.003), and central findings on electronystagmography ( p < 0.001) were related to poor outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors found 31% of patients to have dysequilibrium lasting > 3 months after surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma. Age > 55.5 years, female gender, constant preoperative dysequilibrium present for > 3.5 months, and central findings on electronystagmography were associated with a worse outcome.
Driscoll
C L
CL
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Lynn
S G
SG
Harner
S G
SG
Beatty
C W
CW
Atkinson
E J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*