Surgical treatment for vertigo: patient survey of vertigo, imbalance, and time course for recovery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess surgical treatment of vertigo by patient ratings of postoperative vertigo, imbalance, and timing of symptom improvement.


METHODS
A total of 3637 surgeries for vertigo were performed since 1974. Questionnaires sent to a random sample of patients operated since 1994 were completed by 28 endolymphatic sac shunt (ES), 54 vestibular nerve section (VNS), and 14 labyrinthectomy patients.


RESULTS
All groups rated current vertigo characteristics and AAO-HNS disability as improved (all P <or= 0.001), though "spinning dizziness" remained in some patients in each group. The ES and VNS groups rated all characteristics of imbalance as improved (all P <or= 0.001), but it remained present in the majority. Vertigo resolved within 2 months in 75%, but some indicated months or even 1 to 2 years before attacks stopped.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on patient ratings, surgery improved vertigo in all surgical groups and improved imbalance for ES and VNS groups. Imbalance will likely remain after surgery for vertigo. Patients should be informed that symptoms may not immediately resolve.
De la Cruz
Antonio
A
House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, California 90057, USA. adelacruz@hei.org
Teufert
Karen Borne
KB
Berliner
Karen I
KI
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013506:Otologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004856:Postural Balance; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014717:Vertigo / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*