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Published on: December 11, 2013
Balance after stapedotomy: analysis of balance with computerized dynamic posturography
1Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Uludağ University, Bursa, Turkey. oaozmen@yahoo.com
Summary
Stapedotomy surgery temporarily impacts balance in most otosclerosis patients, causing vestibular symptoms. However, balance function and symptoms typically resolve within one month post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Otosclerosis is a condition affecting the stapes bone, potentially leading to hearing loss.
- Stapedotomy is a surgical procedure to restore hearing in otosclerosis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vestibular symptoms and their impact on balance in patients undergoing stapedotomy.
- To evaluate the recovery of balance and vestibular function after stapedotomy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 33 patients undergoing stapedotomy.
- Computerized dynamic posturography (Sensory Organisation Test) was used to measure balance preoperatively and postoperatively.
- Vestibular symptoms were graded, and audiograms were obtained.
Main Results:
- 82% of patients reported vestibular complaints post-surgery, with a significant temporary drop in balance scores (SOT) in the first week.
- Most patients (all but one) became asymptomatic within the first postoperative week, with full recovery by one month.
- No correlation was found between patient characteristics or audiological findings and vestibular changes.
Conclusions:
- Stapedotomy surgery can lead to transient balance disturbances in a significant portion of otosclerosis patients.
- Balance function and vestibular symptoms typically recover to preoperative levels within the first postoperative month.