Ménière's disease review 2005.
Ménière's disease (MD) is a complex, multifactorial disorder of the inner ear that is the most common cause of the syndrome of episodic vertigo combined with fluctuating hearing loss. In spite of a century of investigation, the etiology and pathophysiology of MD remain controversial and incompletely understood. Among the factors that have contributed to these controversies are the absence of (1) a validated clinical test, (2) an appropriate animal model, and (3) a specific treatment. Nonetheless, physicians are able to assist MD patients with a variety of tailored, symptom-specific medications and therapies. Given that the vertigo induced by MD, in general, is self-limited, the long-term outlook for balance function is good. The same cannot be said for the hearing dysfunction of MD.
Gates
George A
GA
Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. ggates@u.washington.edu
D001300:Audiometry, Evoked Response; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D018159:Endolymphatic Hydrops / Q000503:physiopathology; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology