Illness Perceptions, Postural Performances and Quality of Life of Patients Before Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery

Abstract

Background: Vestibular schwannoma induces balance disorders which impaired balance control performances and have an impact on daily life of patient. Objective: to identify relationships between postural performances, illness perceptions and quality of life of patients before surgery. Methods: Assessments include posturography evaluation and questionnaires (Illness Perceptions Questionnaire-Revised and World Health Organisation Quality Of Life-Bref) three days before surgery. Means were compared with controls. Correlations between postural performances, illness perceptions and quality of life were calculated. Results: Postural performances and quality of life of patients are impaired before surgery. Correlations between postural performances, consequences (CES :p=0.002) and illness coherence (CES :p=0.020) were found. Discussion: Impaired postural performances have an impact on physical health and psychological domains of patient’s quality of life. Health care of vestibular schwannoma should be focused on patient physical rehabilitation and psycho-education to improve quality of life of patients before surgery and to prepare postoperative recovery.