Diagnosis and Treatment of Menière's Disease: Our Experience

Introduction Menière's disease is a clinical syndrome that consists of episodes of spontaneous incapacitating vertigo usually associated with unilateral fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), tinnitus, and aural fullness. Diagnosis is by clinically and audiovestibular tests including video nystagmography (VNG).

Aim (1) This study was done to determine whether video nystagmography is a valid diagnostic tool for diagnosing Menière's disease.

(2) To study the therapeutical effect of betahistine in Menière's disease and compare with video nystagmography.

Methodology Patients, presenting with vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss, who come under the criteria for Menière's disease in the ENT OPD were selected. A detailed history and thorough clinical examination were done followed by PTA and video nystagmography. Those who are diagnosed with Menière's disease were treated with betahistine 48 mg for 2 weeks, and were followed-up for 2 and 6 weeks.

Results Thirty-five patients have been studied, all of them showed nystagmus toward the affected ear on post high-frequency head shake, hypofunction on caloric test in affected side. Twenty patients were correlated with glycerol test and PTA showing SNHL on affected side. On follow-up, 15 patients showed improvement clinically and in VNG. These tests were done on follow-up at 2 and 6 weeks to look for improvement.

Conclusion VNG is an excellent tool for diagnosing Menière's disease and to compare the therapeutical improvement or efficacy of treatment given.

Clinical Significance Menière's disease can be easily diagnosed in OPD setup with VNG, it helps in accurate and early treatment of the patient.