Menière's disease in children.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Otolaryngology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Ménière's disease is a rare inner ear disorder typically affecting adults.
• Pediatric cases of Ménière's disease are exceptionally uncommon, presenting diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• This study investigated 14 children (≤14 years) presenting with the classic Ménière's triad: cochlear sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and intermittent vertigo.
• The children were evaluated across four neuro-otologic centers.
• The cohort included nine children with idiopathic Ménière's disease and five with secondary Ménière's syndrome.

Findings:

• Nine children (64%) exhibited idiopathic Ménière's disease, with symptoms arising without a clear cause.
• Five children (36%) had secondary Ménière's syndrome, developing the triad after initial hearing loss due to mumps, meningitis, temporal bone fracture, or congenital ear issues.
• These 14 cases represented 1% of all diagnosed Ménière's disease (idiopathic or secondary) over five years at the collaborating centers.

Implications:

• This research highlights that Ménière's disease can manifest in children, albeit rarely.
• Identifying underlying causes in secondary Ménière's syndrome is crucial for potential management strategies.
• Further research is warranted to understand the etiology and long-term outcomes of pediatric Ménière's disease.