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Postural control after vestibular schwannoma resection measured with visual feedback posturography
Meeli Hirvonen1, Heikki Aalto, Timo P Hirvonen
1Department of Otolaryngology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland.
ORL; Journal for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and Its Related Specialties
|December 6, 2005
Summary
Vestibular schwannoma surgery patients show persistent deficits in active postural control, as measured by visual feedback posturography (VFP). Early intervention with vestibular rehabilitation is recommended for those with ongoing VFP abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Vestibular symptoms following surgery typically resolve quickly.
- However, the recovery of active postural control after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the progression of postural control in patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS) after surgery using visual feedback posturography (VFP).
Main Methods:
- 36 patients with unilateral VS underwent VFP testing pre-operatively and at 1 and 3 months post-surgery.
- Active postural control accuracy and velocity were measured and compared to healthy controls.
Main Results:
- VS patients exhibited significantly reduced hold percentages and increased sway velocity compared to controls, both pre- and post-operatively.
- Postoperative improvements in postural control were observed, though some parameters remained abnormal.
- Individual VFP measurements showed significant correlation over time and between pre- and post-operative assessments.
Conclusions:
- Visual feedback posturography (VFP) provides an objective and reliable method for evaluating and monitoring active postural control in VS patients.
- Persistent VFP abnormalities suggest a need for intensified vestibular rehabilitation to address disturbed postural control.