Item Level Psychometrics of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory in Vestibular Migraine and Meniere's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the measurement properties of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) using item response theory in patients diagnosed with vestibular migraine (VM) and Meniere's disease (MD). DESIGN: One hundred twenty-five patients diagnosed with VM and 169 patients diagnosed with MD by a vestibular neurotologist according to the Bárány Society criteria in two tertiary multidisciplinary vestibular clinics and who completed the DHI at their initial visit, were included in the study. The DHI (total score and individual items) was analyzed using the Rasch Rating Scale model for patients in each subgroup, VM and MD, and as a whole group. The following categories were assessed: rating-scale structure, unidimensionality, item and person fit, item difficulty hierarchy, person-item match, and separation index, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change (MDC). RESULTS: Patients were predominantly female (80% of the VM subgroup and 68% of the MD subgroup) with a mean age of 49.9 ± 16.5 years and 54.1 ± 14.2 years, respectively. The mean total DHI score for the VM group was 51.9 ± 22.3 and for the MD group was 48.5 ± 26.6 ( p > 0.05). While neither all items nor the separate constructs met all criteria for unidimensionality (i.e., items measuring a single construct), post hoc analysis showed that the all-item analysis supported a single construct. All analyses met the criterion for showing a sound rating scale and acceptable Cronbach's alpha (≥0.69). The all-item analysis showed the most precision, separating the samples into three to four significant strata. The separate-construct analyses (physical, emotional, and functional) showed the least precision, separated the samples into less than three significant strata. Regarding MDC, the MDC remained consistent across the analyses of the different samples; approximately 18 points for the full analyses and approximately 10 points for the separate construct (physical, emotional, and functional). CONCLUSIONS: Our evaluation of the DHI using item response theory shows that the instrument is psychometrically sound and reliable. The all-item instrument fulfills criteria for essential unidimensionality but does seem to measure multiple latent constructs in patients with VM and MD, which has been reported in other balance and mobility instruments. The current subscales did not show acceptable psychometrics, which is in line with multiple recent studies favoring the use of the total score. The study also shows that the DHI is adaptable to episodic recurrent vestibulopathies. The total score shows better precision and separation of subjects in up to four strata compared to the separate construct that separate subjects into less than three strata. The measurement error smallest detectable change was found in our analysis to be 18 points, which means any change in the DHI of less than 18 points is not likely to be clinically significant. The minimal clinically important difference remains indeterminate.

Placebo effect in randomized controlled trials for Meniere's disease: A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Meniere's Disease is a condition known for its recurrent vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus. Previous studies have demonstrated significant influence of placebo treatments. Our objective was to quantify the magnitude of the placebo effect in randomized controlled trials for Meniere's Disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases from inception through September 27, 2022. Data extraction, quality rating, and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. A meta-analysis of mean differences with 95 % confidence interval, weighted summary proportions, and proportion differences were calculated using random and fixed effects models. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies (N = 892) were included in the review. Significant improvement was seen in the functional level scores of the pooled placebo groups, with a mean difference of -0.6 points, (95%CI: -1.2 to -0.1). There was no difference in pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination score, or vertigo frequency at 1 and 3 months for the placebo group. Patient-reported vertigo episodes were improved in 52.5 % (95%CI: 39.2 to 65.5) of the placebo group and was significantly less than the pooled experimental group (90.1 %, 95%CI: 39.2 to 65.5, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The placebo effect in Meniere's Disease trials is associated with some symptomatic improvement in subjective outcomes, such as patient reported vertigo episodes. However, the clinical significance is questionable across other outcomes measures, especially when analyzing objective data. The extent and strength of the placebo effect continues to be a hurdle in the search for better treatment options.

Prevalence of Polypharmacy in Patients With Vestibular and Balance Complaints.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of polypharmacy in patients presenting with dizziness to a tertiary neurotology clinic and analyze the association between polypharmacy and clinical characteristics. DESIGN: Retrospective, cross-sectional review. Demographics, symptoms, diagnoses, medications, audiometry, dizziness handicap index (DHI) scores, and cognitive failure questionnaire (CFQ) scores were extracted from charts of patients seen as new patients from September 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020, with a primary complaint of dizziness. RESULTS: A total of 382 patients were included. More than two-thirds of the patients (n = 265, 69.4%) met criteria for polypharmacy (≥5 medications), of which most (n = 249, 94.0%) were prescribed a potentially ototoxic drug. Approximately 10% of patients were taking five or more ototoxic medications (oto-polypharmacy). Polypharmacy was correlated to age and was more common for patients with diabetes, hypertension, other cardiovascular comorbidities, and depression (odds ratio [OR], 3.73-6.67; p < 0.05). Polypharmacy was twice as likely in patients with mild to moderate hearing loss (OR 2.02 [1.24-3.29] and OR 2.13 [1.06-4.27], respectively; p < 0.05) and ~1.5× more likely in patients who had moderate to severe DHI scores (OR 1.65 [1.05-2.59] and OR 1.63 [1.00-2.65], respectively; p < 0.05). Patients with polypharmacy also had higher CFQ scores compared to those without polypharmacy (CFQ 32.5 [19.0-48.0] versus CFQ 25.0 [13.0-40.0]; p = 0.002. Oto-polypharmacy was more common for patients with lightheadedness as a dizziness descriptor (OR 3.16 [1.56-6.41]; p < 0.01). However, oto-polypharmacy was only more common for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss (OR 2.69 [1.33-5.45] and OR 2.86 [1.31-6.20], respectively; p < 0.01) and severe DHI scores (2.31 [1.12-4.77], p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of polypharmacy in patients with vestibular disorders is high. Some of the medications that patients are on are also potentially ototoxic at variable degrees. Polypharmacy is more common when lightheadedness is one of the dizziness descriptors and seems to be associated with worse scores on patient-reported outcome measures (DHI, CFQ). Medication reconciliation and multidisciplinary involvement could help to better address polypharmacy in this patient population. However, further investigation is needed to elucidate polypharmacy's role in symptom presentation, vestibular testing results, and therapeutic strategies.

Hearing loss in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hearing loss (HL) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), describe frequency-specific hearing threshold changes in this patient population as compared to age-matched control, and compare the clinical and serological profiles of patients with SLE with and without HL. METHODS: A systematic review querying four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane) was performed. Meta-analysis of available data was performed to determine the overall prevalence and odds ratio (OR) of HL, and compare mean differences in frequency-specific hearing thresholds between patients with SLE and control. Additionally, meta-analysis of proportions allowed for comparison of disease features present in patients with SLE with and without sensorineural HL. RESULTS: This review included 17 studies reporting on 1326 patients (635 with SLE and 691 control). The pooled prevalence of HL in patients with SLE was 27%. In comparison to control, patients with SLE had a significantly higher odds of HL (OR 14.6, 95% CI: 8.5 to 25.0). Mean air-conduction hearing thresholds in patients with SLE were significantly elevated relative to control at 125 and 250 Hz. Mean bone-conduction hearing thresholds were significantly elevated in patients with SLE across all measured frequencies except at 3000 and 6000 Hz compared to control. Disease features did not significantly differ between patients with SLE with and without HL. CONCLUSION: Compared to age-matched control, patients with SLE have increased odds of HL, which primarily manifests at low frequencies. Therefore, this patient population requires greater audiologic attention.

Does cognitive dysfunction correlate with dizziness severity in patients with vestibular migraine?

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the relationship between dizziness severity and cognitive dysfunction in vestibular migraine (VM) patients. METHODS: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) scores were compared pre- and post-treatment in a cohort of definite VM patients who underwent evaluation in a multidisciplinary clinic from 2016 to 2020. RESULTS: 44 patients were included. DHI reduction of 11.96 (SD 11.49) (p < 0.001) from an initial mean of 58.36 (22.05) and CFQ reduction of 4.57 (12.20) (p = 0.017) from an initial mean of 47.66 (19.12) were demonstrated. Both pre- and post-treatment DHI scores correlated with pre- and post-treatment CFQ scores (r = 0.537, p < 0.001 and r = 0.667, p < 0.001, respectively). Change in DHI score correlated with change in CFQ score (r = 0.351, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive dysfunction in VM patients is correlated with dizziness severity. The DHI may fail to thoroughly assess cognitive dysfunction in VM patients. Additionally, multidisciplinary treatment of VM reduces both dizziness severity and cognitive dysfunction.

Factors implicated in response to treatment/prognosis of vestibular migraine.

PURPOSE: To identify patient factors that influence response to therapy in patients with vestibular migraines. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a university-based tertiary medical center. PATIENTS: 47 patients evaluated for treatment of definite vestibular migraine, per the Barany Society criteria, from 2015 to 2019. INTERVENTIONS: A protocol of antidepressants, antiepileptics, beta blockers, and vestibular rehabilitation. Patients failing initial therapy received botulinum toxin per the PREEMPT protocol. Vestibular rehabilitation for motion desensitization in case of known vestibular dysfunction. OUTCOME MEASURES: Quality of life measured per the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI). Pre- and post-treatment DHI scores (total and domain scores) and change in DHI were correlated against patient-specific variables to determine factors associated with change in response to therapy. Patient factors included demographic variables, medical comorbidities, comorbid otologic or pain symptoms, treatment modality, and initial DHI scores. RESULTS: 47 patients underwent therapy for vestibular migraine. This population had a significant DHI reduction of 17.3 ± 25.2 (p < 0.001) with therapy. Univariate analysis showed that female gender, comorbid benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and high initial DHI were significantly associated with greater reduction in DHI scores (ß = - 7.92, p = 0.033; ß = - 18.65, p = 0.028; ß = - 0.458, p = 0.016, respectively). Conversely, cervicalgia and oscillopsia were significantly associated with a lower reduction in DHI scores (ß = 5.525, p = 0.024 and ß = 21.48, p = 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Vestibular migraine is a complex disorder with heterogeneous response to therapy. This study shows that patient-specific factors of gender, cervicalgia, oscillopsia, BPPV, and high DHI scores on presentation may influence response to common vestibular migraine therapy.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Return to Work Guidance and Recommendations for Vestibular Clinicians.

As states begin issuing progressive deconfinement guidelines, hospitals and institutions are starting to reopen for elective procedures and consultations. Vestibular clinicians are opening their practices to evaluate, test, or treat patients with dizziness and balance problems. The following document, requested by the American Balance Society, collates the current information about the virus, including transmission from asymptomatic carriers, decontamination, and other safety protocols, and provides a return to work guidance for clinicians caring for this population of patients, promoting provider, patient, and staff safety.

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Vestibular Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship of cognitive dysfunction and vestibular dysfunction has been established by various studies. However, the available Patient-Reported Outcome Measures questionnaires that address the main vestibular complaint fail to highlight this domain of dysfunction in this patient population. The objective of this study was to quantify and compare cognitive impairment using a validated cognitive questionnaire across several vestibular diagnoses. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of 186 patients presenting to a tertiary care vestibular clinic with a diagnosis of vestibular migraine, Meniere's disease (MD), benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, or persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). Patients completed the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI). RESULTS: Mean CFQ scores for this cohort were significantly higher than similarly aged published controls (34.9/100 versus 31.3/100; p < 0.01; mean age, 45 years) as well as published controls between 65 and 74 years of age (34.9/100 versus 31.2/100; p < 0.05). Patients with PPPD or combined vestibular migraine and MD scored the highest on the CFQ and significantly higher than controls (45.1/100, p = 0.001; and 44.1/100, p = 0.006, respectively). Patients with benign positional paroxysmal vertigo had lower scores than normal controls. There is a weak but significant correlation between CFQ and DHI (r = 0.31; p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression shows that CFQ scores were largely driven by the duration of symptoms (p < 0.001), type of diagnosis (notably PPPD; p = 0.026), and DHI (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that cognitive impairment is prevalent with chronic vestibular disorders, even in peripheral disorders such as MD. The duration of vestibular symptoms before diagnosis (and management), as well as certain etiologies, may play a bigger role in cognitive disability than age. This is not currently well-addressed in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures questionnaires and may be overlooked at the time of the diagnosis. Appropriate identification may help tailor treatment, namely rehabilitation programs, to individual patients.

The Relation between Obesity and Hospital Length of Stay after Elective Lateral Skull Base Surgery: An Analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

PURPOSE: Length of stay is a marker of quality and efficiency of health care delivery. The objective of this study was to identify preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables that impact length of stay after lateral skull base surgery. Methods/Procedures: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) databases from 2009-2012 were analyzed, and patients undergoing elective lateral skull base surgery for benign lesions of cranial nerves were identified. The primary outcome measure of interest was length of hospital stay. Protracted length of stay was defined as ≥75th percentile of length of stay for all patients. The impact of demographic factors, intraoperative variables, and postoperative complications on length of stay was assessed. RESULTS: In total, 252 patients were included. Almost half of the patients (41.2%) were classified as obese (body mass index ≥30). Patients who were obese had significantly longer lengths of stay (5.6 ± 3.9 days) when compared to patients who were not obese (4.6 ± 3.4 days, p = 0.006). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that operative time, reoperation within 30 days of initial surgery, and obesity were independent predictors for protracted length of stay. CONCLUSION: National multi-institutional data from the ACS-NSQIP suggest that operative time, reoperation, and obesity are predictors of longer hospital stays after lateral skull base approaches for benign cranial nerve neoplasms.

A Scoping Review of Otologic Manifestations of Hematologic Malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the otologic and neurotologic symptoms, physical examination findings, and imaging features secondary to hematologic malignancies. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, were searched for articles including patients with otologic manifestations of leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Data collected included patient and study demographics, specific hematologic malignancy, timing and classification of otologic symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging features and methods of diagnosis. Pooled descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-two articles, of which 255 (93.8%) were case reports and 17 (6.2%) were case series, reporting on 553 patients were identified. Otologic manifestations were reported on 307 patients with leukemia, 204 patients with lymphoma and 42 patients with multiple myeloma. Hearing loss and unilateral facial palsy were the most common presenting symptoms for 111 reported subjects with leukemia (n = 46, 41.4%; n = 43, 38.7%) and 90 with lymphoma (n = 38, 42.2%; n = 39, 43.3%). Hearing loss and otalgia were the most common presenting symptoms for 21 subjects with multiple myeloma (n = 10, 47.6%; n = 6, 28.6%). Hearing loss and unilateral facial palsy were the most common otologic symptoms indicative of relapse in subjects with leukemia (n = 14, 43.8%) and lymphoma (n = 5, 50%). CONCLUSION: Hearing loss, facial palsy, and otalgia might be the first indication of a new diagnosis or relapse of leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. Clinicians should have a heightened level of suspicion of malignant etiologies of otologic symptoms in patients with current or medical histories of these malignancies.

Treatment Options in Mal de Débarquement Syndrome: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to review current treatment options available for mal de debarquement syndrome (MdDS). DATA SOURCES: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review guidelines, we performed systematic search queries for MdDS-related texts. Documents must have been in the English language, and the time frame was all documents up until May 23, 2022. METHODS: Studies were selected if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal and if one of the primary objectives was the assessment of treatment for MdDS. The quality and validity of all documents were assessed by two independent co-investigators. Conflicts were resolved by a third investigator. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-four unique references were identified and underwent review. Ninety-seven were selected for full-text review, and 32 studies were ultimately included. Data were stratified by treatment methodology for MdDS. The categories used were pharmacologic, physical therapy, and neuromodulating stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in patient-reported outcomes is reported with several treatment modalities including specific protocols of vestibular rehabilitation, neuromodulating stimulation, and pharmacologic management with several types of neurotropic drugs.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs in the Treatment of Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Auditory and Vestibular Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To answer the following question: In patients with primary autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), (population) what impact do disease-modifying antirheumatic agents (DMARDs) (intervention) when compared with no treatment or corticosteroids (comparison) have on auditory and vestibular outcomes (outcome)? STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: According to PRISMA guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to March 10, 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Studies of patients receiving DMARDs for the treatment of AIED were selected for review. Case reports, phase I/II trials, studies of patients with secondary AIED, and studies of AIED patients receiving solely corticosteroids were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Primary outcomes were pure-tone audiometry and speech discrimination scores at baseline and after DMARD treatment. Secondary outcomes were rates of subjective audiovestibular complaints and rates of adverse reactions. No objective vestibular outcomes underwent meta-analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Mean differences were calculated using RevMan 5.4. Heterogeneity was assessed with the Q test and I2 statistic. Pooled prevalence rates of audiovestibular symptoms were expressed as a percentage with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 187 patients were included. Treatments included methotrexate, etanercept, azathioprine, anakinra, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, and infliximab. Mean treatment duration was 10.8 ± 22.2 months and mean follow-up was 13.7 ± 8.1 months. The pure-tone audiometry and speech discrimination scores mean differences between baseline and post-DMARD were -2.1 [-4.1, -0.1] dB and 13.9 [8.5, 19.4] %, respectively. Seven studies reported 38 adverse events, four of which were classified as serious. CONCLUSION: DMARDs showed statistically significant improvement in auditory outcomes, as well as subjective symptoms, with relatively low rates of adverse events. They warrant further exploration to better compare with corticosteroids.

Relationship of vitamin D levels with clinical presentation and recurrence of BPPV in a Southeastern United States institution.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of 25hydroxyvitamin D serum levels with BPPV incidence and recurrence rates. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional, case-controlled study with follow-up phone survey was performed on patients diagnosed with BPPV between 05/2017-05/2020, who had available 25hydroxyvitamin D serology. Patients were seen at a multidisciplinary, vestibular-focused, neurotology clinic at a tertiary referral center. Controls consisted of subjects from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and a locoregional age, sex, and race-matched group of patients from our institution. RESULTS: Our BPPV cohort consisted of 173 patients (mean age 66.2 ± 11.8 years), who were predominately female (75.7%) and Caucasian (76.3%). Almost all age subgroups (BPPV, NHANES, and locoregional groups) ≤60 years old had insufficient levels of vitamin D. However, the overall BPPV cohort had a significantly higher vitamin D level than the NHANES control (31.4 ± 16.5 v. 26.0 ± 11.2 ng/mL, d=0.474 [0.323, 0.626]). There was no significant difference when compared to the overall locoregional control (31.4 ± 20.5 ng/mL). Migraines were significantly correlated to increased BPPV recurrence rates on univariate (beta=0.927, p=0.037, 95% CI: [0.057, 1.798]) and multiple regression analyses (beta=0.231, 95% CI: [0.024, 2.029], p=0.045). Furthermore, patients with BPPV recurrences had significantly lower levels of vitamin D at initial presentation when compared to patients with no recurrences (29.0 ± 12.0 v. 37.6 ± 18.3 ng/mL, d=0.571[0.139,1.001]). CONCLUSION: Many BPPV patients in our cohort had insufficient vitamin D levels, and patients with BPPV recurrences had insufficient and significantly lower vitamin D levels than those without. As a readily available and affordable supplement, vitamin D may be used as an adjunct treatment but prospective studies should be done to confirm if it can prevent or reduce recurrence.

VM-PATHI Correlates With Cognitive Function Improvement After Successful Treatment in Patients With Vestibular Migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in cognitive function in vestibular migraine patients undergoing treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort. SETTING: Single-institution tertiary-care center. PATIENTS: Thirty-four patients with vestibular migraine were included in the study. Average age at diagnosis was 47.9 years. A majority of patients (91.2%) were female. INTERVENTIONS: Vestibular therapies included pharmacologic treatment (67.6%), mindfulness-based stress reduction (58.8%), vestibular physical therapy (20.6%), and lifestyle changes only (2.9%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaires were collected including the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI), and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. RESULTS: Median time between pretreatment and posttreatment questionnaire was 4.4 months (range, 2.8-15.6. mo). CFQ scores decreased in subjects who responded to treatment, as defined by those with a positive change in VM-PATHI score (average decrease, 6.5; p = 0.03). CFQ scores did not improve in subjects who had no improvement in their vestibular condition, as defined by no change or an increase in VM-PATHI score (average increase, 2.0; p = 0.53). Univariate linear regression showed that VM-PATHI score change was highly predictive of CFQ change ( p < 0.01, r2 = 0.36). Multivariate regression demonstrated that the VM-PATHI ( p = 0.03) and not the Dizziness Handicap Inventory ( p = 0.10) predicted changes in CFQ score. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported cognitive dysfunction improves with successful treatment of vestibular migraine.

Assessment of the Cost Burden of Episodic Recurrent Vestibular Vertigo in the US.

Importance: Understanding of the economic burden of recurrent vestibular causes of vertigo and areas contributing to the cost is needed. Objective: To analyze and identify the factors contributing to the direct medical costs associated with Ménière disease (MD), vestibular migraine (VM), and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Design, Setting, and Participants: This economic evaluation used MarketScan Commercial Database claims data from 2018 to identify the non-Medicare patient population with the diagnoses of MD, VM, or BPPV. Data were analyzed January 1 to December 31, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: The total direct medical costs associated with MD, VM, and BPPV. Results: A total of 53 210 patients (mean [SD] age, 47.8 [11.8] years; 67.6% female) were included in this study, with 34 738 normal comparisons. There were 5783 (10.9%) patients with MD, 3526 (6.6%) patients with VM, and 43 901 (82.5%) patients with BPPV in the data set. Mean age and sex were different across the different vestibular disorders. Across the different groups, patients with no comorbidities or with a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of zero ranged from 98.4% to 98.8%. Around 5% of patients were hospitalized with inpatient stay lasting between 4.6 and 5.2 days. After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, there were large differences in mean adjusted annual payments/direct costs across the different groups (MD, $9579; VM, $11 371; and BPPV, $8247). This equated to a total incremental estimated cost of $60 billion compared with the normal population. The number of outpatient brain magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans per patient ranged anywhere from 1 to 20, while the number of inpatient brain magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans per patient ranged anywhere from 1 to 6. A heat map of the total cost expenditure indicated that the costs were concentrated around the Midwest, Lake Michigan, and the East Coast. Conclusions and Relevance: In this economic evaluation, the 3 most common causes of recurrent vertigo-MD, VM, and BPPV-had considerable medical costs associated with them. Extraneous imaging orders and vestibular testing are factors to consider for cost reduction. However, further research and widespread education is needed to optimize the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients presenting with vestibular disorders or dizziness.

Otologic Manifestations of Psoriasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Psoriatic skin lesions are often seen in the auricle and external auditory canal, but middle ear and inner ear manifestations are not easily identified. Several studies have indicated hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction with psoriasis, but the extent of association has not been well defined. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Included studies described audiometric or vestibular assessment of psoriasis patients. Meta-analysis was represented with odds ratios (ORs) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies with 589 psoriasis patients and 617 healthy controls were included. Age did not significantly differ between psoriasis patients (47.1 [12.4] yr) and healthy controls (45.4 [11.2] yr). Psoriasis area and severity index score was 9.9 (8.4), and body surface area scores was 7.9 (14.7). Pure-tone audiometry analysis showed higher mean hearing thresholds in psoriasis patients compared with healthy controls across all frequencies, with the greatest difference at 4000 Hz (MD, 7.70 [4.46-10.94]; p < 0.00001). Speech reception thresholds were worse with psoriasis (MD, 3.53 [1.56-5.49]; p < 0.0001). Abnormal stapedial reflex was more common in psoriasis (OR, 5.19 [1.68-15.99]; p = 0.004). Abnormal vestibular testing was more common in psoriasis for caloric testing (OR, 13.12 [2.88-59.84]; p < 0.0001). Two additional studies of 41,681 psoriasis patients and 80,273 healthy controls found that psoriasis patients were at higher risk for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (OR, 1.50 [1.25-1.80]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that psoriasis is associated with hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction, but clinical significance remains undefined. The trends noted in our study require more investigation, and the pathophysiologic mechanisms need to be defined.

Trends and Outcomes of Fungal Temporal Bone Osteomyelitis: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Temporal bone osteomyelitis is an invasive infection most often caused by bacteria and associated with high mortality. Fungal etiologies are rare and little is known of the predictors of disease severity and outcomes in fungal temporal bone osteomyelitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scoping review was performed to determine what is known from the literature on how clinical, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics relate to patient outcomes in fungal temporal bone osteomyelitis. Using PRISMA guidelines, three databases were searched to identify all published cases of fungal temporal bone osteomyelitis. Data were extracted from each study, including clinical, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics, and outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty-eight studies comprising 74 individual cases of fungal temporal bone osteomyelitis were included. All studies were case reports. There were high rates of diabetes, facial nerve palsy, infectious complications, and need for surgical intervention, as well as a significant delay in the evaluation and diagnosis of fungal temporal bone osteomyelitis. Disease recovery was greater in patients presenting with otorrhea, comorbid diabetes, and in those without facial nerve palsy. DISCUSSION: Many of the defining characteristics of fungal temporal bone osteomyelitis remain unknown, and future reports should focus on determining factors that improve timely diagnosis and treatment of fungal TBO in addition to identifying prognostic indicators for outcomes and survival.

Pathogenesis and Etiology of Ménière Disease: A Scoping Review of a Century of Evidence.

IMPORTANCE: Ménière disease is a rare chronic benign disorder of the inner ear with a natural history of multiple clinical phenotypes of variable severity and a tendency to burnout with time. Although multiple treatment modalities have been shown to improve the disease process-some adversely affecting cochleovestibular function-it remains uncertain whether one, several separate, or a combination of pathophysiologic mechanisms affect the disease process. A scoping review of the evidence underlying proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms of Ménière disease is needed to determine which processes are most likely to be etiopathogenic factors. OBSERVATIONS: Of the 4602 relevant articles found through Embase, Ovid, and PubMed, 444 met inclusion criteria. The most common reported causes of Ménière disease were autoimmune or immune-mediated, genetic, or structural dysfunction of the inner ear. During the study period from inception to March 2021, etiologic theories shifted from structural dysfunction to autoimmune and genetic causes of Ménière disease. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This scoping review found that Ménière disease is a multifactorial disease with lifelong comorbidities and loss of quality-associated life-years whose most commonly reported causes were structural dysfunction, immunologic damage, and genetic susceptibility. Recent studies have examined how autoinflammatory processes and vestibular migraine may be associated with Ménière disease. Large heterogeneity among studies may be explained by historical differences in the clinical understanding of the disease, as well as evolving intervention methodologies and practitioner expertise. Ménière disease is a multifactorial disease with lifelong comorbidities and loss of quality-associated life-years; therefore, future studies of reliable biomarkers of endolymphatic hydrops and real-time imaging are warranted to improve understanding and treatment.

Interviewing and Counseling the Dizzy Patient with Focus on Quality of Life.

When interviewing a patient presenting with dizziness, it is imperative to both diagnosis and treatment for the clinician to identify the impact dizziness has on the patient's productivity, general function level and cognition. and cognition. Psychiatric comorbidities and concurrent sleep disturbances are common in this patient population and identification of these additional factors is important in implementing a holistic, multidisciplinary treatment plan and ultimately improves the patient's outcome.

Treatment of Vestibular Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of the various therapies used for the prevention of vestibular migraine (VM). METHODS: Primary studies were identified though PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library by two independent investigators for articles published through April 2019. The search identified randomized comparison or observational studies pertaining to vestibular migraine treatment. Meta-analysis was performed on pre- and posttreatment Dizziness Handicap Inventory, vertigo frequency, and percentage of perceived improvement. RESULTS: Literature search identified 13 studies that reported sufficient outcome measures to be included in the analysis. Patients with VM had a mean age of 43.3 years with female-to-male gender ratio of 2.1:1. Classes of therapeutic agents included antiepileptic drugs, calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, ß-blockers, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and vestibular rehabilitation. All treatment options that were analyzed demonstrated improvement in all of the outcome parameters, but due to significant heterogeneity and lack of standardized reporting on outcomes, establishment of preferred treatment modality could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: Various treatment modalities have been evaluated for preventative treatment of VM. Physician familiarity, patient comorbidities, and the side-effect profiles of various interventions likely influence the selection of intervention. Future randomized controlled trials with restrictive inclusion criteria and generalizable standardized outcome measures will allow for more robust meta-analyses and for more evidence-based treatment of vestibular migraines. Laryngoscope, 131:186-194, 2021.