A Proposal for Comprehensive Audio-Vestibular Test Battery Protocol for Diagnosis and Follow-Up Monitoring in Patients with Vestibular Schwannoma Undergoing Surgical Tumor Removal
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: A vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a benign tumor, causing audiological and vestibular symptoms. This study aimed to propose a comprehensive audio-vestibular test battery protocol for diagnosis and follow-up monitoring in patients with unilateral VSs undergoing surgical removal. Methods: The detailed interpretation of audiological and vestibular findings was presented in two example cases. The surgery was performed through the middle cranial fossa (#1) and translabyrinthine approach (#2). The participants were evaluated with tonal, speech, and impedance audiometry, ABR, caloric test, vHIT, cVEMP, oVEMP, SOT, and DHI. Patient and tumor characteristics were retrieved from the patient’s history. Results: In the postoperative period, the reduction in gain of the lateral semicircular canal was observed in the vHITs of both patients. The DHI in case #1 increased after surgery, while it decreased in case #2. The improvement in postural performances compared to the preoperative SOT (CON 5, CON 6, composite score) and immediately after the procedure was observed. Conclusions: A specific diagnostic protocol is necessary to compare the results of different surgical techniques and approaches. Diagnostic tests performed before the surgery should be repeated within a specific time frame during postoperative follow-up to enable the comparison of results. The proposed protocol can help us better understand the processes ongoing during tumor growth and postoperative vestibular compensation.
Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13175007
Institution: Medical University of Warsaw
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
OpenAlex ID: W4401834638