Preoperative identification of patients at risk of developing persistent dysequilibrium after acoustic neuroma removal.

ABSTRACT

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.