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Menière's disease in the elderly
Michel Ballester1, Pierre Liard, Dominique Vibert
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck and Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Inselspital University of Bern, Switzerland. ballester@caramail.com
Summary
Meniere
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear.
- The prevalence and presentation in elderly patients are not well understood.
Observation:
- A retrospective study analyzed 66 patients aged 65 and older with Meniere's disease.
- The disease presented as de novo onset or reactivation of longstanding Meniere's disease.
- Drop attacks occurred more frequently than in younger populations and could mimic stroke.
Findings:
- Meniere's disease is not uncommon in the elderly.
- Both medical and surgical treatments were employed.
- Surgical interventions achieved high success rates for vertigo spell resolution.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider Meniere's disease in elderly patients presenting with vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- The potential for misdiagnosis with cerebrovascular events highlights the need for careful evaluation.
- Treatment requires a cautious approach due to patient fragility.