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Dexamethasone inner ear perfusion for subclinical endolymphatic hydrops
Herbert Silverstein1, Mathew Farrugia, Mark Van Ess
1Silverstein Institute, 1901 Floyd Street, Sarasota, FL 34239, USA. hsilverste@aol.com
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|February 19, 2009
Summary
Subclinical cochlear hydrops, characterized by ear pressure, may be treated with dexamethasone inner ear perfusion. This treatment showed symptom improvement in most patients with minimal risk.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Aural fullness, stuffiness, or ear pressure are common symptoms.
- These symptoms can be challenging to diagnose when other conditions are excluded.
- Subclinical cochlear hydrops is proposed as a term for these idiopathic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone inner ear perfusion for patients with subclinical cochlear hydrops.
- To assess symptom improvement and potential complications associated with the treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 20 patients with idiopathic aural fullness.
- Treatment involved 1 month of inner ear perfusion with dexamethasone (4 or 10 mg/ml).
- Outcomes measured included symptom improvement, hearing changes, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Symptom improvement was observed in 13 out of 19 patients (68.4%) following treatment.
- No patients reported worsening of symptoms or hearing.
- The procedure was well-tolerated with infrequent complications.
Conclusions:
- Dexamethasone inner ear perfusion appears to be a safe and effective treatment for subclinical cochlear hydrops.
- This therapeutic approach offers a low-risk option for managing idiopathic ear pressure and fullness.
