Electrocochleographic changes after intranasal allergen challenge: A possible diagnostic tool in patients with Meniere's disease.
Numerous observers have suggested a relationship between allergy and Meniere's disease, but objective proof has heretofore been limited. Using standard criteria, we studied a group of 7 patients with previously diagnosed Meniere's disease in whom significant allergy to 1 or more inhalants had also been diagnosed. Patients underwent a baseline electrocochleographic study followed by intranasal challenge with a carefully quantified amount of the allergen to which they were most sensitive. This was followed by a second electrocochleogram. Four of the 7 patients demonstrated at least a 15% increase in the summating potential/action potential ratio in 1 ear, associated with the production of subjective inner ear symptoms. We present this protocol as a potentially useful tool to further study whether inhalant allergy may be a causative factor in patients with Meniere's disease.
Gibbs
S R
SR
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9035, USA.
Mabry
R L
RL
Roland
P S
PS
Shoup
A G
AG
Mabry
C S
CS
D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001300:Audiometry, Evoked Response; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology
D000485:Allergens