Characterization of Geriatric Dysphagia Diagnoses in Age-Based Cohorts.

Objective: An aging population requires increased focus on geriatric otolaryngology. Patients aged ≥65 years are not a homogenous population, and important physiologic differences have been documented among the young-old (65-74 years), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (≥85). We aim to analyze differences in dysphagia diagnoses and swallowing-related quality-of-life among these age subgroups.

Increased Prevalence of Vestibular Loss in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Background/aims: Recent evidence has shown that Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients have reduced vestibular function relative to healthy controls. In this study, we evaluated whether patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) also have reduced vestibular function relative to controls, and compared the level of vestibular impairment between MCI and AD patients.

Methods: Vestibular physiologic function was assessed in 77 patients (26 MCI, 51 AD) and 295 matched controls using 3 clinical vestibular tests.

Geriatric Dysphonia: Characteristics of Diagnoses in Age-Based Cohorts in a Tertiary Voice Clinic.

Objective: An aging population has increased focus on geriatric otolaryngology. Those ≥65 years old are not a uniform population, however, and recent gerontology literature recognizes important physiologic differences between the young-old (ages 65-74 years), middle-old (75-84), and old-old (≥85). This study evaluates differences within these groups among dysphonia patients ≥65 years relative to diagnosis and voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL).

Saccular Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease Is Associated with Driving Difficulty.

Background/aims: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) experience increased rates of vestibular loss. Recent studies suggest that saccular impairment in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD patients is associated with impaired spatial cognitive function. However, the impact of saccular impairment on everyday behaviors that rely on spatial cognitive function is unknown.

Experience with pharmacologic leeching with bivalirudin for adjunct treatment of venous congestion of head and neck reconstructive flaps.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to review the feasibility of local bivalirudin injection for adjunct treatment of venous congestion of head and neck reconstructive flaps.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent bivalirudin treatment for venous congestion of head and neck reconstructive flaps in a single institution from September 1, 2012 to September 1, 2015 was undertaken. Individuals were treated with variable number of intradermal injections directly into the flap followed by a small skin incision to allow extended passive bleeding.

Vestibular Loss Predicts Poorer Spatial Cognition in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

The vestibular system is an important contributor to balance control, spatial orientation, and falls risk. Recent evidence has shown that Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have a higher prevalence of vestibular impairment relative to healthy controls. We sought to evaluate whether vestibular loss is specifically associated with poor spatial cognitive skills among patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD.

Vestibular Impairment in Dementia.

Objective: Recent studies suggest an association between vestibular and cognitive function. The goal of the study was to investigate whether vestibular function was impaired in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared with cognitively normal individuals.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Secondary Acquired Cholesteatoma: Presentation and Tympanoplasty Outcomes.

Objective: Comparing the clinical features and surgical outcomes of patients undergoing tympanoplasty for secondary acquired cholesteatoma (SAC) versus non-complicated tympanic membrane perforation (TMP).

Study Design: Retrospective patient review.

Setting: Tertiary-care, academic center.

Vestibular Function and Activities of Daily Living: Analysis of the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Objective: Vestibular dysfunction increases with age and is associated with mobility difficulties and fall risk in older individuals. We evaluated whether vestibular function influences the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).

Method: We analyzed the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of adults aged older than 40 years ( = 5,017).

Understanding the Experience of Age-Related Vestibular Loss in Older Individuals: A Qualitative Study.

Background: Inner ear balance (or vestibular) function declines with age and is associated with decreased mobility and an increased risk of falls in older individuals. We sought to understand the lived experience of older adults with vestibular loss in order to improve care in this population.

Methods: Qualitative data were derived from semi-structured interviews of individuals aged 65 years or older presenting to the Balance and Falls Prevention Clinic from February 1, 2014 to March 30, 2015 for evaluation of age-related vestibular loss.

The Role of Obliteration in the Achievement of a Dry Mastoid Bowl.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of mastoid obliteration on the achievement of a dry mastoid bowl and frequency of maintenance care.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Academic medical center.

An Unusual Case of Bony Styloid Processes That Extend to the Hyoid Bone.

The embryological origin of the hyoid bone is a point of uncertainty, with controversy surrounding the relative contribution of the second pharyngeal arch to hyoid development. We encountered a 52-year-old male with bilateral bony styloid extension to the lesser cornu of the hyoid bone during the workup of a patient with laryngeal cancer. This embryological malformation clearly supports the hypothesis that the second pharyngeal arch gives rise to the lesser cornu and demonstrates an unusual clinical finding that may be encountered by otolaryngologists.

The Use of Fall Risk Increasing Drugs (FRIDs) in Patients With Dizziness Presenting to a Neurotology Clinic.

Objective: To characterize the use of fall risk increasing drugs (FRIDs) in patients with dizziness who presented to a Neurotology academic practice and to evaluate for predictors of FRID use in this population.

Patients: A total of 292 subjects presented with dizziness between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013.

Intervention: Demographic information and FRID use were recorded.

Sex and age associations with vestibular schwannoma size and presenting symptoms.

Objective: To assess the association of sex and age with presenting symptoms and size of vestibular schwannoma at clinical presentation to our clinics.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Interventions to improve patient participation in the treatment process for culturally and linguistically diverse people with cancer: a systematic review.

Disparities in cancer outcomes for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups are well known. Improving CALD patients' active participation in treatment processes holds potential to improve outcomes, but little is known of effective strategies to facilitate this. This systematic review investigated interventions to improve three aspects of participation in cancer care among CALD groups, namely involvement in decision-making, communication with health providers and treatment adherence.