title: The history and future of neuro-otology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The field of neuro-otology has advanced substantially over the past 150 years. The function of the vestibular system was presumed to be audiologic prior to the groundbreaking work of Prosper Ménière in the late 1800s. Since that time, scientific discovery has advanced our knowledge of the physiology and the pathophysiology of the vestibular system. This article describes where we have been, where we are now, and where we need to go from here.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Some of the important recent advances include: (1) improved imaging of the brain and inner ear, (2) development of new eye movement recording and analysis techniques, (3) development of new tests of otolith function, (4) particle repositioning maneuvers for all types of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and (5) improved bedside diagnosis and treatment of vestibular neuritis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The cause and treatment for some common neuro-otologic disorders is now well delineated. The diagnosis and management of less common disorders has improved as well. Future work is still required to advance the science of vestibular physiology and pathophysiology and ultimately to discover new ways to improve the health of patients with these disorders.
authors.affiliation: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, P.O. Box 951769, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. rwbaloh@ucla.edu
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Baloh
authors.forename: G Michael
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Halmagyi
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Zee
mesh_terms: D005544:Forecasting; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008575:Meniere Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000266:history / Q000379:methods; D063165:Neurotology / Q000266:history / Q000639:trends*; D014717:Vertigo / Q000209:etiology*; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D058585:Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D020338:Vestibular Neuronitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000502:physiology