Ménière's Disease Review 2005

Abstract

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.