Clinical and Physiologic Predictors and Postoperative Outcomes of Near Dehiscence Syndrome.

Objective: To identify predictors of near dehiscence (ND) or thin rather than dehiscent bone overlying the superior semicircular canal in patients with signs and symptoms suggestive of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), as well as postoperative outcomes.

Study Design: Retrospective case-control study.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Forward and backward locomotion in individuals with dizziness.

The vestibular system plays an important role in locomotion. Individuals with vestibular pathology present with gait abnormalities, which may increase their fall frequency. Backward walking (BW) has been suggested as a predictor of falls in other patient populations; however it has not been studied in individuals with dizziness.

Head impulse test abnormalities and influence on gait speed and falls in older individuals.

Objective: To assess the prevalence of vestibular dysfunction in older adults using the head impulse test (HIT) and to assess the independent influence of HIT abnormalities on gait speed and fall risk in older individuals.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center.

Association between hearing loss and saccular dysfunction in older individuals.

Objective: 1) Describe the association between hearing loss and dysfunction of each of the 5 vestibular end-organs--the horizontal, superior, and posterior semicircular canals; saccule; and utricle--in older individuals. 2) Evaluate whether hearing loss and vestibular end-organ deficits share any risk factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Decline in semicircular canal and otolith function with age.

Objective: To characterize the physiologic nature of the vestibular dysfunction that occurs with the normative aging process.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Tertiary care academic medical center.