Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease

Abstract

Meniere’s disease (MD) consists of a tetrad of episodic vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The episodic vertigo typically resolves over time; however, hearing loss usually becomes permanent with disease progression. MD is thought to be caused by endolymphatic hydrops, which has been visualized both in pathologic temporal bone specimens and in vivo via magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple theories exist regarding the etiology of endolymphatic hydrops and the mechanism by which endolymphatic hydrops causes the symptoms of MD. MD is principally diagnosed based on clinical assessment and audiometric documentation of hearing loss; however, a variety of adjunct vestibular tests can be used to differentiate MD from similar disorders.