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Transtympanic gentamicin for Meniere's syndrome
S G Harner1, J L Kasperbauer, G W Facer
1Department of Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. sharner@mayo.edu
The Laryngoscope
|October 20, 1998
Summary
Transtympanic gentamicin effectively treats unilateral Meniere's syndrome, reducing vertigo while preserving hearing. This partial chemical labyrinthectomy offers a viable treatment option for patients unresponsive to medical therapies.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Meniere's syndrome is a debilitating inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Transtympanic gentamicin offers a less invasive alternative to surgical labyrinthectomy for Meniere's disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transtympanic gentamicin injections for treating unilateral Meniere's syndrome.
- To assess the impact of gentamicin on vertigo symptoms and cochlear function.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 43 patients with unilateral Meniere's syndrome who failed medical therapy.
- Patients received one or more transtympanic gentamicin injections, with audiometric and electronystagmography data collected pre- and post-treatment.
- Follow-up data were collected using established clinical guidelines.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in vertigo symptoms (function level decreased from 3-5 to 1-2) in most patients.
- Preservation of cochlear function with no cases of deafness reported.
- Mild, transient ataxia or dysequilibrium observed in some patients post-injection.
Conclusions:
- Transtympanic gentamicin is an effective treatment for unilateral Meniere's syndrome, particularly for patients refractory to medical management.
- The procedure demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal impact on hearing.