INTRATYMPANIC THERAPIES FOR INNER EAR DISORDERS 

Otorinolaringologia 2010 September;60(3):171-82

Copyright © 2010 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Intratympanic gentamicin for unilateral Menière’s disease

Slattery Iii W. H., Teufert K. B.

¹ Clinical Studies, House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA 2 House Ear Clinic, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA 3 House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Menière’s disease is a chronic illness that affects a substantial number of patients every year worldwide. The disease is characterized by intermittent episodes of vertigo lasting from minutes to hours, with fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural pressure. Although there is currently no cure, more than 80% of patients with Menière’s disease are helped by either changes in lifestyle and medical treatment with another 20% requiring minimally invasive surgical procedures such as intratympanic steroid therapy, intratympanic gentamicin therapy, and endolymphatic sac surgery. Vestibular neurectomy has a very high rate of vertigo control and is available for patients with good hearing who have failed all other treatments. Labyrinthectomy is undertaken as a last resort and is best reserved for patients with unilateral disease and deafness. This paper discusses treatment options of Menière’s disease, with emphasis on intratympanic gentamicin therapy, including its basic science, experimental studies, and an extensive review of the literature.