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 n euroma removal. Study Design: The study design was a retrospective chart re view. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Patients: A total of 210 patients who had acoustic neuromas removed via the retrosig moid approach from January 1, 1990, to July 1, 1995, participated. Main Out come Measures: Persistent dysequilibrium for >3 months after surgery was me asured. Results: Age (p = 0.002), gender (p =0.0007) presence of preoperative opera tive 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 lasti ng >3 months after surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma. Age >55.5 years , female gender, constant preoperative dysequilibrium present for >3.5 mont hs, and central findings on electronystagmography were associated with a wo rse outcome.