[Characterization of balance function during the interictal period of vertigo attacks in patients with Ménière's...

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of balance function during the interictal period in patients with Ménière's disease (MD) and analyze related influencing factors. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 183 MD patients admitted to the Vertigo Department of Shandong ENT Hospital between July 2021 and December 2023. Balance function was assessed using the sensory organization test (SOT), along with evaluations of mean hearing threshold, semicircular canal function, otolith organ function, and endolymphatic hydrops status. The cohort comprised 89 male and 94 female patients, aged (46.3±9.1) years. SOT results revealed balance dysfunction in 87 cases (47.5%), categorized into vestibular dysfunction type (58 cases), visual dependence type (13 cases), and visual-vestibular dysfunction type (16 cases). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified abnormal ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (OR=1.977, 95%CI: 1.023-3.819) and abnormal caloric test results (OR=2.310, 95%CI: 1.153-4.630) as significant influencing factors for balance dysfunction. This study suggests a high prevalence of balance dysfunction during the interictal period in MD patients, with utricular function and low-frequency horizontal semicircular canal function being key determinants of balance performance.