Neuro-otology

New techniques for the assessment of vestibulospinal, neck-afferent, and viscerograviceptive function may show future clinical applications for a broader assessment of balance function in neuro-otological patients. Magnetic resonance imaging studies revealed that many intralabyrinthine disorders (labyrinthitis, hemorrhage, schwannomas) can be adequately visualized. Perceptual and oculomotor clinical studies improved our understanding of vestibular disordered function in the roll (coronal) plane. Therapeutic studies highlight the importance of a team approach, with individually tailored programs for the rehabilitation of patients with vestibular disorders. Reasonable agreement on the criteria for attempting hearing preservation during acoustic neuroma surgery seems to have been reached.