Autoimmune vestibular dysfunction: preliminary report

Since 1981, 28 patients have been diagnosed with autoimmune inner ear disease. This preliminary, retrospective study reviews clinical and laboratory manifestations of autoimmune vestibular dysfunction. Sixteen of 28 patients presented with dizziness (7 vertigo, 8 lightheadedness, 1 ataxia). Twelve of these patients presented with Meniere's syndrome. Seven of 16 dizzy patients underwent formal vestibular testing. Five had reduced vestibular response in the involved ear(s); one patient had positional nystagmus only; and one had normal results. Of 17 patients with adequate follow-up, 11 presented with dizziness. Hearing improved and dizziness resolved in two patients following treatment. Hearing stabilized and dizziness resolved in two. Hearing stabilized but lightheadedness (without vertigo) persisted in five. Hearing was lost and oscillopsia resulted in two patients. Preliminary conclusions are vestibular dysfunction in autoimmune inner ear disease is nonspecific; bilateral vestibular dysfunction is more common; Meniere's syndrome is relatively common; medical management usually is helpful; surgery at this time does not seem appropriate; vestibular treatment results tend to parallel auditory treatment results.