Augmented Reality Microscopy in the Management of Cerebellopontine Lesions and Microvascular Decompression: A Pilot Study.

Objective: To evaluate whether augmented reality microscopy surgical fluorescence technology, already Food and Drug Administration approved for vascular neurosurgery, can aid in lateral skull base surgery during cerebellopontine (CPA) tumor resection and microvascular decompression. Study Design: Pilot prospective uncontrolled observational cohort study. Setting: An academic tertiary care hospital. Patients: Those who underwent retrosigmoid craniotomy for CPA tumor resection or microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm, trigeminal neuralgia or pulsatile tinnitus. 11 patients were recruited: 4 underwent CPA tumor resection and 7 underwent microvascular decompression. Interventions: Augmented reality microscopy with fluorescence imaging was utilized to visualize vascular flow intraoperatively. A postoperative surgeon questionnaire was administered to assess the intraoperative efficacy of this technology. Main Outcome Measures: Efficacy of technology in aiding with CPA tumor resection and microvascular decompression. Results: For all 7 microvascular decompression cases, surgeons agreed that the technology aided in identifying areas where disease was affecting tissues with no cases of vascular occlusion identified. In 3 of the 4 CPA tumor resection cases, surgeons agreed that the technology identified areas of vascular flow within the CPA and the tumor. Vascular patency of the sigmoid-transverse sinus was also confirmed. No significant adverse effects were noted except 1 instance of severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusions: Our study shows that the augmented reality fluorescence technology works during lateral skull base surgery as it can confirm intraoperative vascular integrity. Our data also suggest that this technology may improve visualization of ambiguous vasculature and blood flow to diseased tissue.

Augmented Visualization Surgical Microscope Assisted Microvascular Decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.

: Microvascular decompression (MVD) is curative treatment for primary Hemifacial Spasm, in cases where a vascular loop impinges on the facial nerve. Surgical techniques for MVD may be extended to MVD of the glossopharyngeal nerve and trigeminal nerve in cases of primary glossopharyngeal neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia. Stroke is a rare complication of these procedures that may occur during the separation of a vascular loop from nervous tissue, particularly when materials such as Teflon are used to separate the structures. Use of an augmented visualization surgical microscope and in vivo fluorescence provides the opportunity to perform an intraoperative "angiogram" to confirm vascular integrity after decompression and enhanced visualization of complex neurovascular anatomy. We report the first description of this novel approach to microvascular decompression for Hemifacial Spasm.SDC video link: http://links.lww.com/MAO/A998.

SCUBA Medicine for Otolaryngologists: Part II. Diagnostic, Treatment, and Dive Fitness Recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: Challenge current practices and misconceptions in treating recreational SCUBA (Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) divers. Differentiate patients who are fit to dive and those with relative and absolute contraindications. Redefine the standard of care for fitness to dive parameters based on the most up-to-date evidence. METHODS: We conducted a review of the available medical and diving literature in English, German, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, and French to determine the degree of evidence or lack thereof behind recommendations for treating SCUBA divers. The databases of PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane library, as well as available textbooks, were queried for relevant data. RESULTS: Current recommendations regarding fitness to dive are overly prohibitive given the available evidence. Insufficient evidence currently exists to justify the level of certainty with which some recommendations have been made previously. This is particularly true with regard to postsurgical patients, including those who have undergone stapedectomy or skull base repairs. Updated treatment guidelines, particularly those regarding the timely differentiation of barotrauma and decompression sickness, as well as clearance for return to diving following surgery or trauma, are presented herein. CONCLUSION: Current guidelines for otorhinolaryngologists governing the diagnosis and treatment of SCUBA divers are lacking and in some instances founded on insufficient evidence. We present an up-to-date, comprehensive guide for otorhinolaryngologists to utilize going forward. Laryngoscope, 130:59-64, 2020.

SCUBA Medicine for otolaryngologists: Part I. Diving into SCUBA physiology and injury prevention.

OBJECTIVES: Introduce pertinent self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) physiology and corresponding terminology. Appreciate the scope of diving and related otolaryngological injury. Illustrate pathophysiologic mechanisms for diving injuries. Summarize strategies for ear, paranasal sinus, and lung barotrauma prevention, including medical optimization and autoinsufflation techniques. METHODS: We conducted a review of the available medical and diving literature in English, German, Spanish, Italian Turkish, and French to determine the degree of evidence or lack thereof behind recommendations for treating SCUBA divers. The databases of PubMed, Ovid Medline, and the Cochrane library, as well available textbooks, were queried for relevant data. RESULTS: Divers are subjected to large pressure gradients within the first few meters of descent. This can lead to gas embolism formation as well as barotrauma secondary to gas expansion/compression in potential closed spaces such as the middle ear, paranasal sinuses, and lungs. Physicians can minimize the risk of injury by counseling patients regarding proper equalization and descent/ascent techniques, and optimizing sinonasal and eustachian tube function. The use of decongestants is controversial. CONCLUSIONS: Diving is an increasingly popular sport with predominantly otolaryngologic manifestations of injury and disease. Treating SCUBA divers requires a firm understanding of how physiology is altered underwater. This review presents the relevant background information using illustrations to understand the environmental forces acting on divers and how to prevent injury. Laryngoscope, 130:52-58, 2020.

Quantifying tinnitus suppression in cochlear implantation using tinnitus interval-limited tracking.

OBJECTIVES: Quantify the effects of cochlear implants (CI) on tinnitus suppression in patients with previous cochlear implantation using a novel audiologic sequence: Tinnitus Interval Limited Tracking (TILT). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. METHODS: Consecutive patients with tinnitus and previous cochlear implantation for profound hearing loss underwent an audiologic testing sequence called TILT. Patients rated tinnitus severity using the validated Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) as well as a visual analog scale at baseline and in a variety of audiologic scenarios. Changes in tinnitus severity between scenarios allow for the isolation of the effects of masking and electrical stimulation on the reduction of tinnitus. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled, 10 of whom have tinnitus with average THI 30.2 (standard deviation 22.6). Patients had an acute decrease in tinnitus severity when their CIs were turned on, even in the absence of noise in a soundproof booth. This effect reversed once the CIs were turned off. This effect was greater in magnitude than with masking that occurred with the presentation of soft speech. Acute tinnitus severity trended toward improvement with increased level of presented speech. Degree of improvement was not correlated with THI. CONCLUSION: Acute tinnitus suppression in patients using CIs is multifactorial. Masking plays a role; however, it cannot sufficiently account for the totality of symptom improvement experienced by CI patients. Quantifiable tinnitus suppression observed when a CI is turned on, even in the absence of audiologic stimulation, suggests that electrical stimulation is involved in the mechanism of symptom improvement in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 130: 2047-2052, 2020.

Vestibular Neurectomy for Intractable Vertigo: Case Series and Evaluation of Role of Endoscopic Assistance in Retrolabyrinthine Craniotomy.

Objective This study evaluates the utility of endoscopy for retrolabyrinthine vestibular nerve section (RLVNS). Design/Setting This is a retrospective review for RLVNSs by the senior author. The endoscope's utility was assessed and assigned a grade based on operative findings. Participants/Main Outcome Measures Fifteen patients (eight males and seven females; 53 and 47%, respectively) were identified with mean age 56.7 years. Indications included Ménière's disease (MD) in 12 of 15 patients (80%), uncompensated vestibular neuritis in 2 patients (13%), and other vestibular neuropathy in 1 patient (7%). Vertigo resolved in 14 of 15 patients (93%). Complications included decreased hearing in two patients (13%) and deep venous thrombosis in one patient (7%). There were no facial nerve complications or mortalities. Results Sectioning vestibular division of the vestibular-cochlear nerve was achieved without perceived benefit of endoscopy in the 80% of cases (grade 0, n = 12). Endoscopy was helpful in patients with a small mastoid (grade 1, n = 2, 13.3%), and deemed necessary where the flocculus of the cerebellum was adherent to the eighth nerve arachnoid at the porus acusticus (grade 2, n = 1, 6.7%). Conclusion RLVNS is a safe and efficacious procedure for the treatment of vertigo; the surgical endoscope may be a useful adjunct in selected cases. Patients with MD may expect the greatest benefit from surgery.

Linked-read Sequencing Analysis Reveals Tumor-specific Genome Variation Landscapes in Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) Patients.

HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that genomic variants including deletions, insertions, inversions, and tandem duplications beyond the changes in tumor suppressor NF2 gene affect gene expression of tumor-specific pathways in vestibular schwannomas (VS) patients with Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2), thus contributing to their clinical behavior. BACKGROUND: Genomic variation could reconfigure transcription in NF2 transformation process. Therefore, genome-wide high-resolution characterization of structural variants (SV) landscapes in NF2 tumors can expand our understanding of the genes regulating the clinical phenotypes in NF2-associated VS. METHODS: We performed whole-genome haplotype-specific structural variation analysis using synthetic linked reads generated through microfluidics-based barcoding of high molecular weight DNA followed by high-coverage Illumina paired-end whole-genome sequencing from 10 patients' tumors of different growth rates and their matching blood samples. RESULTS: NF2 tumor-specific deletions and large SVs were detected and can be classified based on their association with tumor growth rates. Through detailed annotation of these mutations, we uncover common alleles affected by these deletions and large SVs that can be associated with signaling pathways implicated in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION: The genomic variation landscape of NF2-related VS was investigated through whole-genome linked-read sequencing. Large SVs, in addition to deletions, were identified and may serve as modulators of clinical behavior.

Endoscope-assisted middle fossa craniotomy for resection of inferior vestibular nerve schwannoma extending lateral to transverse crest.

OBJECTIVE The authors describe their results using an endoscope as an adjunct to microsurgical resection of inferior vestibular schwannomas (VSs) with extension into the fundus of the internal auditory canal below the transverse crest. METHODS All patients who had undergone middle fossa craniotomy for VSs performed by the senior author between September 2014 and August 2016 were prospectively enrolled in accordance with IRB policies, and the charts of patients undergoing surgery for inferior vestibular nerve tumors, as determined either on preoperative imaging or as intraoperative findings, were retrospectively reviewed. Age prior to surgery, side of surgery, tumor size, preoperative and postoperative pure-tone average, and speech discrimination scores were recorded. The presence of early and late facial paralysis, nerve of tumor origin, and extent of resection were also recorded. RESULTS Six patients (all women; age range 40-65 years, mean age 57 years) met these criteria during the study period. Five of the 6 patients underwent gross-total resection; 1 patient underwent a near-total resection because of a small amount of tumor that adhered to the facial nerve. Gross-total resection was facilitated using the operative endoscope in 2 patients (33%) who were found to have additional tumor visible only through the endoscope. All patients had a House-Brackmann facial nerve grade of II or better in the immediate postoperative period. Serviceable hearing (American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery class A or B) was preserved in 3 of the 6 patients. CONCLUSIONS Endoscope-assisted middle fossa craniotomy for resection of inferior vestibular nerve schwannomas with extension beyond the transverse crest is safe, and hearing preservation is feasible.

'Compassionate use' protocol for auditory brainstem implantation in neurofibromatosis type 2: Early House Ear Institute experience.

OBJECTIVE: To report the preliminary outcomes of auditory brainstem implantation (ABI) under a compassionate use protocol for two ABI devices that are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) patients who underwent microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) and placement of either the Cochlear ABI541 or Med-El Synchrony ABIs. Peri-operative and device- related complications were reviewed. Audiometric performance was also evaluated. RESULTS: Seven patients received either the Cochlear ABI541 (6) or the Med-El Synchrony ABI (1) after the resection of VS. No device or patient-related complications occurred to date. Surgical times and early audiological performance are similar to our previous experience with the Cochlear ABI24 device. CONCLUSIONS: Early experience with the Cochlear ABI541 and Med-El Synchrony ABI devices under a compassionate use protocol suggest that both devices are safe with comparable utility to the Cochlear ABI24 device.

Tinnitus Suppression After Auditory Brainstem Implantation in Patients With Neurofibromatosis Type-2.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether an auditory brainstem implant (ABI) can impact levels of tinnitus in neurofibromatosis type-2 (NF2) patients who have undergone translabyrinthine craniotomy for vestibular schwannoma (VS) removal and to evaluate the burden of tinnitus in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case series and patient survey. SETTING: Tertiary neurotologic referral center. PATIENTS: NF2 patients who underwent translabyrinthine removal of VS and ABI placement between 1994 and 2015. INTERVENTIONS: A survey, retrospective review and two validated tinnitus handicap questionnaires (tinnitus handicap inventory [THI] and tinnitus visual analogue scale [VAS]) were used to characterize the degree of tinnitus in NF2 patients and whether an ABI can alter tinnitus levels. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S): Survey results, THI and VAS scores. RESULTS: One hundred twelve ABI users were contacted and 43 patients (38.3)% responded to our survey. Tinnitus was reported in 83.7% of patients. The THI score for responders was 17.8 ±â€Š20.5 standard deviation (SD). For survey participants, the ABI reduced tinnitus levels (mean VAS: Off = 3.5; On 1-h = 2.1; p = 0.048). For patients who subjectively reported that the ABI reduced tinnitus loudness, tinnitus levels were immediately reduced on ABI activation and after 1 hour of use (mean VAS: Off = 4.8; On = 2.4; On 1-h = 1.8; p < 0.01). Suppression did not continue after the device was turned off. Audiological performance with the ABI did not correlate with tinnitus suppression. CONCLUSION: NF2 patients who have undergone removal of VS have a significant tinnitus handicap and benefit from tinnitus suppression through utilization of an ABI possibly through masking or electrical stimulation of the auditory brainstem.

Hearing Outcomes after Middle Fossa or Retrosigmoid Craniotomy for Vestibular Schwannoma Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate hearing outcomes following middle fossa (MF) or retrosigmoid (RS) craniotomy for vestibular schwannoma (VS) removal with the goal of hearing preservation. DESIGN: This is a retrospective series. SETTING: This study was set at a skull base referral center. PARTICIPANTS: In this study, 377 sporadic VS patients underwent primary microsurgery for VS from 2002 to 2012 using the MF (n = 305) or RS (n = 72) approaches. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were change in pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score from pre- to postoperative and surgical complications. RESULTS: Preoperative hearing did not differ between approaches. Tumors were larger in the RS group (mean = 1.78 cm) than the MF group (mean = 0.97 cm) (p ≤ 0.001). Mean times to last audiometric follow-up were MF 1.0 year and RS 0.7 years. Mean decline in hearing from preoperative to last follow-up was greater in the RS group (55.5 dB in PTA and 45.6% in discrimination) than the MF group (38.9 dB and 31.7%) (p ≤ 0.011 and 0.033, respectively). The effect of surgical approach on hearing outcome remained after controlling for tumor size. Facial nerve outcomes and cerebrospinal fluid leak rates were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Loss of hearing was greater with the RS approach than the MF approach, even when accounting for differences in tumor size. Postoperative facial nerve function and other complications did not differ between approaches.

Endoscopic-Assisted Middle Fossa Craniotomy for Resection of Vestibular Schwannoma.

Background Rates of hearing preservation following surgery via middle fossa craniotomy in patients harboring tumors with unfavorable characteristics are significantly lower than for those patients with "favorable" tumors. Objectives We will present two cases both with unfavorable conditions, which underwent endoscopic-assisted middle fossa craniotomy (MFC) resection of intracanalicular vestibular schwannomas with preserved postoperative hearing. Methods Chart reviews were conducted on both patients. Their presentation, intraoperative details, and techniques, pre- and postoperative audiograms, and facial nerve outcomes are presented. Results Patient A had 5.6 × 6.8 × 13.2 mm intracanalicular tumor with unserviceable hearing (pure tone audiometry [PTA], 41; speech determination score [SDS], 47%; class D) but was blind so hearing preservation was attempted. Postoperative hearing was preserved (PTA, 47; SDS, 60%; class B). Patient B had a 5 mm round intracanalicular tumor immediately adjacent to the vestibule and cochlea without any fundal fluid present. Preoperative audiogram showed serviceable hearing (PTA, 48; SDS, 88%; class B). Postoperatively, aidable hearing was preserved (PTA, 51; SDS, 76%; class C). Conclusion Hearing preservation surgery via MFC can be enhanced with endoscopic-assisted dissection, especially in the lateral internal auditory canal. The superior optical view allows for preservation of cochlear nerve function and removal of residual tumor not otherwise seen on microscopy.

Tympanic Plexus Neurectomy for Intractable Otalgia.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyze whether tympanic plexus neurectomy is a successful surgical option in patients with intractable otalgia. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective single institution study from the experience of two surgeons was conducted. METHODS: Records of adult patients with intractable unilateral otalgia of likely glossopharyngeal origin were reviewed, with institutional review board approval. Patients who responded to a tympanic plexus block were considered for tympanic neurectomy. Twelve patients (13 ears) underwent the procedure. Surgical outcomes and the presence of persistent otalgia were evaluated. RESULTS: Persistent otalgia was present for 16.7 months ± 8.6 standard-error-of-the-mean months prior to an intervention. Narcotic medication was used in 41.7% of patients prior to surgery. Patients received tympanic plexus blocks (median: 1, range 1-3) prior to tympanic neurectomy to evaluate candidacy for surgery. Intractable otalgia resolved in six of 13 ears (46.2%) after one surgery, with an average follow-up of 25.5 months. A significant reduction in pain occurred in two of 13 ears (15.4%) after an initial surgery. One patient received no benefit from the initial procedure. Revision surgery occurred in four ears, resulting in pain relief in three of four cases. All together, nine of 13 ears received complete resolution of pain, and an additional two of 13 ears received partial benefit using our algorithm for treatment of intractable otalgia of tympanic plexus origin. CONCLUSION: Intractable otalgia treated with tympanic neurectomy is a viable treatment option in cases of failed medical management. These findings provide important information that will aid clinicians in counseling chronic otalgia patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.

Cochlear implant outcomes in patients with superior canal dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether adult cochlear implant (CI) users with superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS) or asymptomatic superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SCD) have different surgical, vestibular, and audiologic outcomes when compared to CI users with normal temporal bone anatomy. METHODS: A retrospective single institution review of CI users with either superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome or asymptomatic superior semicircular canal dehiscence identified eight post-lingually deafened adults with unilateral or bilateral cochlear implantation between 2006 and 2010. Preoperative and postoperative speech perception scores as well as medical and epidemiological data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: One patient with superior canal dehiscence syndrome and seven patients with asymptomatic superior semicircular canal dehiscence were identified, representing 7% or 8/113 of CI patients that fulfilled selection criteria. Average dehiscence length was 3.3 mm ± 0.79 SEM. Three patients received bilateral implants and five patients received a unilateral implant. Among asymptomatic superior semicircular canal dehiscence patients, subjective rates of post-operative dizziness were similar to those seen in patients with normal temporal bone anatomy (12.5 % vs. 15.9%, respectively). Speech perception abilities after surgery were poorer in SCD patients compared to the non-SCD cohort (Consonant Nucleus Consonant 33.7 ± 7.78 SEM vs. 56.7 ± 2.15 SEM P = 0.011), although both groups improved substantially relative to pre-operative performance. We also completed detailed analyses of auditory and vestibular outcomes in one patient with SCDS who underwent CI surgery in the symptomatic ear, which demonstrated preservation of vestibular function post-operatively, improved quality-of-life measures, and reduced dizziness symptomatology. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patients with asymptomatic superior canal dehiscence at the time of CI surgery have similar albeit decreased speech perception scores compared to non-SCD adult CI users. Subjective rate of dizziness or vertigo following CI surgery was similar in both asymptomatic SCD and non-SCD cohorts, with detailed analyses of a single symptomatic SCD patient revealing improved vestibular function and reduced SCD symptoms following CI.

Primary culture of human Schwann and schwannoma cells: improved and simplified protocol.

Primary culture of human Schwann cells (SCs) and vestibular schwannoma (VS) cells are invaluable tools to investigate SC physiology and VS pathobiology, and to devise effective pharmacotherapies against VS, which are sorely needed. However, existing culture protocols, in aiming to create robust, pure cultures, employ methods that can lead to loss of biological characteristics of the original cells, potentially resulting in misleading biological findings. We have developed a minimally manipulative method to culture primary human SC and VS cells, without the use of selective mitogens, toxins, or time-consuming and potentially transformative laboratory techniques. Schwann cell purity was quantified longitudinally using S100 staining in SC cultures derived from the great auricular nerve and VS cultures followed for 7 and 12 weeks, respectively. SC cultures retained approximately ≥85% purity for 2 weeks. VS cultures retained approximately ≥80% purity for the majority of the span of 12 weeks, with maximal purity of 87% at 2 weeks. The VS cultures showed high level of biological similarity (68% on average) to their respective parent tumors, as assessed using a protein array featuring 41 growth factors and receptors. Apoptosis rate in vitro negatively correlated with tumor volume. Our results, obtained using a faster, simplified culturing method than previously utilized, indicate that highly pure, primary human SC and VS cultures can be established with minimal manipulation, reaching maximal purity at 2 weeks of culture. The VS cultures recapitulate the parent tumors' biology to a great degree, making them relevant models to investigate VS pathobiology.

Differential cochlear implant outcomes in older adults.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The goals of this study were to analyze whether cochlear implant (CI) users over 65 years of age have different surgical and audiological outcomes when compared to younger adult CI users and to identify reasons for these possible differences. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective single-institution study. METHODS: Records of 113 postlingually deafened adults with unilateral cochlear implants were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative speech perception scores, and medical and epidemiological data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Speech perception ability was significantly poorer in CI users over 65 years of age compared to younger adult patients (P = .012). Patients over the age of 80 years accounted for these findings (P = .017). Older patients were less likely to have a family history of hearing deficits. A history of noise exposure and idiopathic cause of hearing loss did not correlate with audiological outcomes. A family history of hearing loss was associated with a trend toward better speech recognition (P = .062). Older patients did not experience more vestibular symptoms or other complications compared to younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients over the age of 80 years had lower speech perception scores than other adult CI recipients but did not have higher rates of dizziness or vertigo after surgery. A family history of hearing loss was associated with a trend toward better speech recognition, possibly representing a new prognostic variable. These findings provide important information that will aid clinicians in counseling older CI candidates.

Health care practice patterns for balance disorders in the elderly.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Characterize health care practice patterns for balance disorders in the elderly. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis of national health care survey. METHODS: Balance disorder cases in patients aged ≥65 years were extracted from the 2008 National Health Interview Survey. Records were analyzed for health professionals seen, diagnostic testing ordered, diagnoses given, and treatments offered. Relationships between diagnostic success, imaging studies, and specialty providers seen were compared. RESULTS: Among 7.02 ± 0.22 million elderly persons reporting a balance problem, 50.0% (3.44 ± 0.16 million) saw a health professional, and 35.8% saw ≥3 providers; 59.6% of elderly patients reported a diagnosed cause for the balance problem. The most common causes were medication side effects (11.3%), inner ear infection (11.0%), heart disease (8.6%), and loose ear crystals (7.9%). Imaging studies had been obtained in 56.7% (2.00 ± 0.11 million cases). Among 24.3% of patients receiving some form of treatment, 61.7% had been taking prescription medication, most commonly diuretic agents (36.5%), anxiolytic agents (25.1%), and meclizine (21.4%). Seeing an otolaryngologist or neurologist was associated with a higher but similar rate of diagnostic imaging studies (70.1%, P = .029 and 78.5%, P < .001). However, obtaining an imaging study was not associated with a diagnosed cause of the balance disorder (61.5% with imaging vs. 56.9% without, P = .265). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high prevalence of balance problems in the elderly, a significant proportion do not come to a clear diagnosis. There is a noteworthy rate of prescription medication utilization in this population. Given an increasingly aging population, attention needs to be given to balance problems in the elderly to optimize diagnosis and health care utilization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2b.