Subjective Visual Vertical Can be an Effective Tool to Evaluate Vestibular Function of Stapedotomy

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Vestibular System

Background:

• Otosclerosis is a condition affecting the otic capsule, often requiring stapedotomy.
• Postoperative vertigo is a common complication following stapedotomy.
• The otolith organs are crucial for sensing gravity and linear acceleration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if subjective visual vertical/horizontal (SVV/SVH) can evaluate otolith organ function in otosclerosis patients undergoing stapedotomy.
• To correlate SVV/SVH measurements with postoperative vertigo symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Nineteen patients with otosclerosis who underwent stapedotomy were analyzed.
• Preoperative and postoperative SVV/SVH measurements were taken.
• Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of postoperative vertigo.

Main Results:

• Patients experiencing postoperative dizziness exhibited significantly worse SVV/SVH results compared to non-dizzy patients.
• This suggests that stapes implantation may perturb the vestibule and otolith organ function.
• SVV/SVH measurements effectively differentiated between dizzy and non-dizzy groups.

Conclusions:

• Subjective visual vertical/horizontal (SVV/SVH) is a valuable tool for assessing otolith organ function post-stapedotomy.
• SVV/SVH can help evaluate vestibular function in patients with vertigo after stapes implantation.