Prognostic factors for duration of vertigo after stapes surgery via a time-to-event analysis.

BACKGROUND

Vertigo or dizziness after stapes surgery occurs sometimes, and it is generally temporary. However, while rare, it can be prolonged.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the prognostic factors for duration of vertigo following stapedotomy using a time-to-event analysis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The present study included a total of 35 primary ears (26 with otosclerosis and nine with congenital stapes fixation) from 31 patients. We assessed residual rates of nystagmus and complaints of subjective vestibular symptoms using Kaplan-Meier time-to-event methods.

RESULTS

Postoperative spontaneous nystagmus was observed in 23 (65.7%) ears, and postoperative subjective vestibular symptoms were confirmed in 27 (77.1%) ears. The total mean duration of postoperative spontaneous nystagmus and subjective vestibular symptoms was 9.8 (range: 0-158) and 33.9 days (0-732), respectively. A history of stapes surgery in the opposite ear was a significant predictive factor for prolonged nystagmus and subjective vestibular symptoms (p = .0059 and p = .0146).

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: For individuals with a history of stapes surgery in the opposite ear, spontaneous nystagmus and vertigo/dizziness sensations following stapedotomy may persist for a longer duration than in those without a history of stapes surgery in the opposite ear.