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.

STUDY DESIGN

The study design was a retrospective chart review.

SETTING

The study was conducted at a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

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

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

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.