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Intratympanic gentamicin for intractable Meniere's disease
Nicolas Perez1, Eduardo Martín, Rafael García-Tapia
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital and Medical School, University of Navarra, Pio XII 36, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain. nperezfer@unav.es
The Laryngoscope
|March 5, 2003
Summary
Intratympanic gentamicin injections effectively controlled vertigo in most Meniere
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Vestibular System Disorders
Background:
- Meniere's disease is a debilitating inner ear disorder.
- Unilateral Meniere's disease refractory to medical treatment presents a therapeutic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intratympanic gentamicin injections for unilateral Meniere's disease.
- To assess vertigo control, functional status, hearing, and vestibular function.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 71 patients with unilateral Meniere's disease.
- Weekly intratympanic gentamicin injections (27 mg/mL) until vestibular hypofunction.
- Outcomes assessed using American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria.
Main Results:
- Vertigo controlled in 83.1% of patients; recurrence managed with repeat injections.
- Significant reduction in dizziness handicap and improved functional levels.
- Hearing levels remained stable, but hearing loss occurred in some patients; vestibular function varied.
Conclusions:
- Intratympanic gentamicin is a useful treatment for medically refractory Meniere's disease.
- Stopping injections upon signs of vestibular deafferentation optimizes vertigo control.
- This therapy offers a valuable alternative to other surgical options.