J Korean Med Assoc.  2008 Nov;51(11):1007-1015. 10.5124/jkma.2008.51.11.1007.

Meniere's Disease

• Lee WS
• Koo JW

• KMID: 2137743
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2008.51.11.1007

Abstract

Hydrops of the endolymphatic space in the inner ear deteriorates hearing and balance function. This idiopathic syndrome of endolymphatic hydrops is Meniere's disease and is characterized by episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and ear fullness. For the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the episode, the progression of the hydrops leads to ruptures in the membranes separating endolymph from perilymph, producing a sudden increase in potassium concentration in the perilymph. Recurrent episodes may interfere with routine daily activities and sometimes accompany sudden drop attacks, so called Tumarkin's otolithic crisis, which may lead to serious injuries. Life style modification, low salt diet and prescription of diuretics have been traditionally tried in order to relieve endolymphatic hydrops. Surgical and destructive treatment options are necessary in selected intractable patients depending on the frequency of vertigo, severity of hearing loss and the possibility of bilateral involvement. However, a large proportion of these patients shows a spontaneous cure of vertigo with the aggravation of hearing loss (burnt out stage) over time. The goal of treatment is trying not to make the patient worse than this natural course of disease.

Keyword

Meniere's disease; Endolymphatic hydrops; Dizziness; Hearing loss

MeSH Terms

Diet
Diuretics
Dizziness
Ear
Ear, Inner
Edema
Endolymph
Endolymphatic Hydrops
Hearing
Hearing Loss
Humans
Life Style
Membranes
Meniere Disease
Otolithic Membrane
Perilymph
Potassium
Prescriptions
Rupture
Syncope
Tinnitus
Vertigo
Diuretics
Potassium

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