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Published on: February 21, 2018
Vestibular function in probable versus definite Ménière's disease: a cross-sectional retrospective analysis
Oğulcan Gündoğdu1, Cem Yeral2, Ayberk Aydın Tunc2
1Department of Audiology, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey.
Objectives:
Ménière's disease is an inner-ear disorder caused by endolymphatic hydrops, characterised by recurrent episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. Ménière's disease can be classified as 'probable' and 'definite' according to the criteria determined by the Bárány Society.
Methods:
This analytical cross-sectional retrospective study included 28 Ménière's disease patients (15 with definite Ménière's disease and 13 with probable Ménière's disease). Vestibular function was assessed using ocular-vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, cervical-vestibular evoked myogenic potentials and caloric test.
Results:
The results of these tests were evaluated separately for probable Ménière's disease and definite Ménière's disease groups and comparisons were made. Significant differences in vestibular evoked myogenic potential asymmetry rates were observed between the probable Ménière's disease and definite Ménière's disease groups, with the definite Ménière's disease group exhibiting a higher rate of abnormal responses.
Conclusion:
This suggests that vestibular evoked myogenic potentials testing may be a valuable tool in distinguishing between these two subtypes of Ménière's disease. Further research is necessary to validate these findings and explore their implications for clinical practice.
Insights
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) show promise in differentiating probable and definite Ménière
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Vestibular Science
Background:
- Ménière's disease is an inner-ear disorder characterized by endolymphatic hydrops.
- It presents with recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Ménière's disease is classified as 'probable' or 'definite' based on Bárány Society criteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in distinguishing between probable and definite Ménière's disease.
- To assess vestibular function using ocular-VEMPs (oVEMPs), cervical-VEMPs (cVEMPs), and caloric testing.
Main Methods:
- Analytical cross-sectional retrospective study.
- Inclusion of 28 Ménière's disease patients (15 definite, 13 probable).
- Assessment of vestibular function via oVEMPs, cVEMPs, and caloric testing.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in VEMP asymmetry rates were found between the probable and definite Ménière's disease groups.
- The definite Ménière's disease group showed a higher incidence of abnormal VEMP responses.
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials testing demonstrated potential for differentiating Ménière's disease subtypes.
Conclusions:
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials may serve as a valuable diagnostic tool for differentiating probable and definite Ménière's disease.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings and guide clinical applications.
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