Update on intratympanic gentamicin for Meniere's disease

To review the literature relating to intratympanic gentamicin injection therapy for Meniere's disease to detect consistencies and differences that might suggest optimal technique.

Retrospective literature review.

Eighteen papers from the literature regarding clinical experience with intratympanic gentamicin injections for treatment of Meniere's disease were reviewed and tabulated.

All papers reported high success rates in treating episodic vertigo of Meniere's disease, but technique, dose, duration, and treatment philosophy varied considerably. Hearing loss was typically reported in about 30% of patients.

No single technique of gentamicin injection has a significant medical advantage over the others. Until controlled studies indicate otherwise, nonmedical needs such as convenience and safety may be considered when choosing a technique.