Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Migraine: Updates and Review of the Literature

Assessment and management of vestibular migraine within ENT

OBJECTIVE

Vestibular migraine is a newly recognised and debilitating condition. This article aims to provide an overview of what is known of vestibular migraine, delineating its diagnostic criteria and presenting some initial management strategies to aid ENT professionals in delivering optimal care when patients first present to the otolaryngology clinic.

METHOD

Although traditionally underdiagnosed, there are now clearly defined diagnostic criteria to aid accurate diagnosis of vestibular migraine.

RESULTS

A detailed history and clinical examination are the cornerstone of the diagnostic process, but supportive evidence is required from appropriate audio-vestibular tests and imaging.

CONCLUSION

This is a unique condition that commonly initially presents to ENT. This article provides a summary of diagnostic and management strategies to facilitate early diagnosis and first-line treatment that can be employed in general ENT settings, which may be particularly useful given the limited availability of specialist audio-vestibular medicine and neuro-otology services.

Endolymphatic duct blockage surgery vs. intratympanic steroids for treatment of refractory Ménière's disease

PURPOSE

To compare the effectiveness of the Endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB) and intratympanic methylprednisolone(ITMP) injection to control refractory Ménière's disease(MD) symptoms and evaluate their impact on hearing level.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study in a tertiary care center.

METHODS

36 received ITMP injection and 52 EDB. Mean outcome measures at 24 months included vertigo control, tinnitus, aural fullness and hearing level: pure-tone average (PTA), bone conduction average(BCA) and speech discrimination score(SDS).

RESULTS

At 24 months postoperatively, 90.4% of the EDB group had complete control of vertigo and 43.4% of the ITMP group (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in tinnitus or aural fullness control (p = 0.34 and p 0.21 respectively). In each group, the drop in tinnitus and aural fullness frequency at 24 months were significant for EDB (p = 0.03; p < 0.001 respectively) and for ITMP group in tinnitus (p = 0.03) but not aural fullness (p = 0.063). At 24 months, PTA, BCA and SDS were significantly worst in the ITMP group when compared to preoperative levels (p = 0.038, p = 0.027, p = 0.016). PTA in the EDB group was stable with no difference compared to ITMP group (p = 0.48). BCA and SDS in the EDB group were stable and better than the ITMP group (p = 0.032; p = 0.036). In each group, vestibular paresis was not significantly different before (p = 0.06) and after treatment (p = 0.68).

CONCLUSION

EDB is more effective than the ITMP for controlling the vertigo symptoms of Ménière's disease and in preserving hearing function. It is a novel surgical technique with promising results for a complete treatment of Ménière's disease. ITMP decreases the frequency and the severity of the symptoms but only control vertigo in 27.8% of cases.

Mendelian randomization analysis does not reveal a causal association between migraine and Meniere's disease

Background

According to observational research, migraine may increase the risk of Meniere's disease (MD). The two have not, however, been proven to be causally related.

Methods

Using Mendelian random (MR) analysis, we aimed to evaluate any potential causal relationship between migraine and MD. We extracted single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving European individuals, focusing on migraine and MD. The main technique used to evaluate effect estimates was inverse-variance weighting (IVW). To assess heterogeneity and pleiotropy, sensitivity analyses were carried out using weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, weighted mode, and MR-PRESSO.

Results

There was no discernible causative link between genetic vulnerability to MD and migraine. The migraine dose not increase the prevalence of MD in the random-effects IVW method (OR = 0.551, P = 0.825). The extra weighted median analysis (OR = 0.674, P = 0.909), MR-Egger (OR = 0.068, P = 0.806), Simple mode (OR = 0.170, P = 0.737), and Weighted mode (OR = 0.219, P= 0.760) all showed largely consistent results. The MD dose not increase the prevalence of migraine in the random-effects IVW method (OR = 0.999, P = 0.020). The extra weighted median analysis (OR = 0.999, P = 0.909), MR-Egger (OR = 0.999, P = 0.806), Simple mode (OR = 0.999, P = 0.737), and Weighted mode (OR = 1.000, P = 0.760).

Conclusion and significance

This Mendelian randomization study provides casual evidence that migraine is not a risk factor for MD and MD is also not a risk factor for migraine.

Focused Update on Migraine and Vertigo Comorbidity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on comorbidity of vestibular symptoms and migraine.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multisensory processing and integration is a key concept for understanding mixed presentation of migraine and vestibular symptoms. Here, we discuss how vestibular migraine should be distinguished from a secondary migraine phenomenon in which migraine symptoms may coincide with or triggered by another vestibular disorder. We also have some updates on the diagnostic criteria of vestibular migraine, its pathophysiology, and common approaches used for its treatment. As a common clinical presentation of migraine and vestibular symptoms, vestibular migraine should be distinguished from a secondary migraine phenomenon, in which migraine symptoms may be triggered by or coincide with another vestibular disorder. Recent experimental evidence suggests vestibular symptoms in vestibular migraine are linked to multisensory mechanisms that control body motion and orientation in space.

Click SP/AP Area Ratio Vesrus Tone Burst SP Amplitude to Diagnose Ménière's Disease Using Electrocochleography

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the sensitivity and the specificity of summating potential (SP)/action potential (AP) area under the curve (AUC) ratio by a transtympanic electrode and a click stimulus (TT-CS), SP/AP AUC ratio by an extratympanic electrode and a click stimulus (ET-CS) and SP amplitude value by a transtympanic electrode and tone burst stimulus (TT-TBS) in regard of Ménière's disease (MD) diagnosis. This is the first study that compares SP amplitude value performed by a TT-TBS and the SP/AP AUC ratio performed by a TT-CS.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective comparative study.

SETTINGS

Ninety-five patients met the inclusion criteria for electrocochleography (ECochG) testing in a tertiary care center.

METHODS

The sensitivity and specificity of our different ECochG protocols were calculated in regard of the diagnosis of MD.

RESULTS

The patients' mean age was 54 years old (female predominance). The sensitivity and the specificity of SP/AP area ratio by a TT-CS were 88.5% and 70.0%, respectively. On the other hand, the sensitivity and specificity for the SP amplitude value by a TT-TBS were 60.0% and 55.6%, respectively. SP/AP area ratio by TT-CS was statistically better than SP amplitude value by TT-TBS to detect MD disease (P = .016). However, no difference was identified between SP/AP area ratio by ET-CS and SP amplitude value by a TT-TBS (P = .573).

CONCLUSION

SP/AP area ratio by click stimulation has higher sensitivity and specificity to detect MD compared to SP amplitude value by tone burst stimulation. ECochG would be extremely useful in the diagnosis of MD if we use the SP/AP area ratio (sensitivity: 88.5%); therefore, it changes the bad reputation of ECochG sensitivity using SP/AP amplitude ratio (sensitivity: 51.7%) for the diagnosis of MD.

Diagnostic Role of Combined Electrocochleography and Pure-Tone Audiometry Monitoring During Dehydrating Test in Ménière's Disease: A Case Series

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic role of combined electrocochleography and pure-tone audiometry monitoring during dehydrating test in Ménière's disease and consider its suitability as a diagnostic tool to differentiate those patients with unclear differential diagnosis and therefore identify those with clear endolymphatic hydrops responsive to dehydrating test. To study the efficacy of dehydrating therapy on vertiginous symptoms and hearing loss in patients with Ménière's disease.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective case series.

SETTINGS

University hospital, secondary referral center.

PATIENTS

Thirty patients, 20 women and 10 men, age range of 25 to 75 years, matching the criteria for definite Ménière's disease according to the Barany Society classification.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic. During an active phase of the disease, electrocochleography and pure-tone audiometry were performed, and repeated at 30th, 45th, and 60th minutes after intramuscular injection of 40 mg furosemide and 40 mg methylprednisolone.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Data related to symptoms, electrocochleography, and pure-tone audiometry during the dehydrating test were collected at different times and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

After the administration of dehydrating therapy, we observed that both summating potential and action potential ratio and summating potential and action potential area ratio were normalized in 21 of 30 subjects. Furthermore, pure-tone audiometry thresholds improved significantly. An improvement of ear fullness was also observed, whereas tinnitus unchangeably persisted.

CONCLUSIONS

The monitoring of the electrocochleography and pure-tone audiometry thresholds during dehydrating tests with furosemide and methylprednisolone could allow to detect an improvement of instrumental features and clinical symptoms related to endolymphatic hydrops, and therefore, it could be used as a diagnostic tool in the identification of those patients affected by Ménière's disease with unclear differential diagnosis.

Tinnitus, Aural Fullness, and Hearing Loss in a Patient with Acoustic Neuroma and Pituitary Macroadenoma

We report the case of a 51-year-old woman with multiple otologic and vestibular symptoms. She presented with two different types of tinnitus in her right ear, vertigo, and fluctuating aural symptoms in the left ear. She also complained of disequilibrium; chronic headache; hyperhidrosis; amenorrhea; insomnia; broadened hands and feet; and widened, thickened, and stubby fingers. The patient underwent careful collection of medical history, otomiscroscopy, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, reflex threshold measurements, vestibular assessments, blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and cone beam computed tomography (CBTC) of the head. The audiogram showed: (1) a mild low-to-mid frequency conductive hearing loss, and a sharply sloping sensorineural hearing loss above 4000 Hz in the right ear; (2) a mild low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss in the left ear. MRI with 3D FLAIR sequences detected an acoustic neuroma (7.4 mm × 5.2 mm) in the middle-third of the right internal auditory canal, a pituitary macroadenoma (13 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm) and left saccular hydrops. The CBCT scan documented an outbreak of otosclerosis (3 mm) around the fissula ante fenestram in the right ear. Therefore, acoustic neuroma (right ear), growth hormone-secreting macroadenoma of the pituitary gland, Menière’s disease (left ear), and otosclerosis (right ear) were diagnosed/strongly suspected. A watch-and-wait strategy was adopted for acoustic neuroma and otosclerosis, while transsphenoidal surgery was successfully performed to remove the pituitary macroadenoma. This case report confirms that multiple otologic disorders can occur simultaneously in the same patient, requiring prompt audiological and imaging evaluations.

Saccular functions differ for Meniere's disease with and without coexisting headaches

Objectives

To elucidate the differences between the cases of Meniere's disease (MD) with and without coexisting headaches, especially migraine. The clinical characteristics and vestibular functions are compared.

Subjects

Fifteen patients with definite unilateral MD without headaches (MD/H-; 10 males and 5 females; mean age of 55.8 years), and 20 patients with definite unilateral MD with headaches (MD/H+; 3 males and 17 females; mean age of 54.4 years; 15 cases of migraine without aura and 5 cases of suspected migraine or tension-type headache) were enrolled.

Methods

The medical records, caloric test results, and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) of the patients were reviewed. A monothermal caloric test by injection of cold water was performed, and canal paresis was assessed. cVEMP was recorded using 500 Hz short tone bursts, and the asymmetry ratio using the corrected amplitude of p13-n23 was determined.

Results

The patients in the MD/H- group were predominantly male, whereas more female patients were seen in MD/H+ group (p = 0.004). In the MD/H+ group, the frequency of vertigo and the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) values were significantly higher than those in the MD/H- group (p = 0.045, <0.001, respectively). There was no statistical difference in the ages, duration of illness, or the hearing levels between both groups. The caloric testing results were abnormal for 10 of the 13 MD/H- cases, and 14 of the 16 MD/H+ cases, which revealed no significant difference between both groups. The cVEMP results revealed positive saccular dysfunction based on the asymmetry ratio of 4 of the 15 MD/H- cases, and 14 of the 20 MD/H+ cases; it was significantly more prevalent in the MD/H+ group than in the MD/H- group (p = 0.018). Multivariate analysis of sex, frequency of vertigo, DHI, and cVEMP results showed significant differences only in the cVEMP results (p = 0.049).

Conclusion

The present study revealed differences in patients with MD depending on the presence or absence of headaches. MD without headaches showed a significant male preponderance. MD with coexisting headaches was more associated with severe saccular dysfunctions than MD without headaches. Concomitant headache may affect the manifestations of the vestibular function, especially in the sacculus, in MD cases.

Vestibular Migraine versus Méniere's Disease: Diagnostic Utility of Electrocochleography

Objectives: The diagnostic criteria for vestibular migraine (VM) and Méniere’s disease (MD) present an important overlap, which leads to a difficult diagnosis in patients presenting with headache, vertigo, hearing loss, ear fullness, and tinnitus. The objective of our study is to determine whether the area-under-the-curve ratio of the summating potentials (SP) and action potentials (AP) curves on electrocochleography (ECoG) helps differentiate VM from MD with or without the use of the well-established clinical criteria. Method: A retrospective review of patients filling either VM or MD criteria was undertaken between September 2015 and December 2018. All patients underwent ECoG before the introduction of anti-migraine therapy. The prediction of symptom improvement between the clinical criteria and ECoG results was compared by using the Vertigo Symptom Scale. Results: In total, 119 patients were included. An overlap of 36% exists between patients filling VM and MD criteria. Clinical criteria alone did not demonstrate a significant prediction of symptom response to anti-migraine therapy (VM 83%, MD 51%; p = 0.10). However, ECoG results alone did demonstrate adequate prediction (VM 94%, MD 32%; p < 0.001). A negative ECoG result combined with the clinical criteria of VM (100% symptom improvement) was shown to be more predictive of treatment response when compared to clinical criteria alone (83% symptom improvement) (p = 0.017). Finally, when used in patients filling both the VM and MD criteria (VMMD), ECoG was able to predict symptom improvement, thus better differentiating both diseases (normal ECoG: 95%, abnormal ECoG 29%; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Combining VM criteria with normal ECoG using the AUC ratio seems superior in predicting adequate symptom improvement than VM criteria alone.

Comparing Intratympanic Gentamicin with Methylprednisolone in Meniere's Disease with Non-Serviceable Hearing

Abstract

To compare the effectiveness of high dose fixed alternate day intratympanic gentamicin with methylprednisolone in the treatment of patients with unilateral, intractable Meniere's disease with poor hearing. Randomized single blind prospective parallel group trial in a tertiary referral centre. Twenty-two patients with definite unilateral Meniere's disease with average pure tone thresholds worse than 50 dB in the affected ear were enrolled. Eleven patients were treated with intratympanic buffered gentamicin and the other eleven were administered intratympanic methylprednisolone (both 4 injections, 40 mg/ml, on alternate days). Patients were assessed pre-intervention, 3 months post intervention and subsequently followed up for 2-4 years. Both groups of patients had significant control of vertigo, DHI scores and THI scores after treatment while the functional scores in the methylprednisolone group was not better than the pre- treatment scores in the long-term follow-up. 9 of 11(82%) patients in gentamicin group and 3 of 11(27%) patients in the methylprednisolone group achieved Class A vertigo control. The gentamicin group had better post intervention DHI scores (p = 0.016, 3 months and p = 0.046, long term) and Functional score (p = 0.014, 3 months and p = 0.05, long term). The hearing in both groups and THI scores, post intervention was similar between both groups. In patients with unilateral intractable MD with non-serviceable hearing, high fixed doses of both intratympanic gentamicin and methylprednisolone are effective in alleviating disease symptoms in long term follow-up. However, intratympanic gentamicin resulted in better control of vertigo, total DHI score and functional level scores than intratympanic methylprednisolone with no significant difference in hearing levels.

Trail Registration Number

Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI- REF/2016/10/012363).

Pediatric vestibular migraine: Diagnosis according to ICHD-3 criteria and the effectiveness of short-term CH prophylaxis

OBJECTIVE

Vestibular migraine (VM) is a rare migraine variant with limited information about its treatment in children. This study, it was aimed to evaluate the diagnostic characteristics of VM in children and the effectiveness of cyproheptadine hydrochloride (CH) prophylaxis.

METHODS

Patients aged 6-18 years who were diagnosed with VM and other primary headaches (OPHs) according to ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria and given oral CH prophylaxis for at least 3 months were included in the study. Response to CH prophylaxis was defined by the change in symptoms (worsening, no change, and improvement) monthly.

RESULTS

A total of 64 cases diagnosed with primary headache and given CH prophylaxis were identified. 40.6% (29) migraine without aura of patients, 34.4% (22) VM, 14.1% (9) tension type headache, 4.7% (3) benign paroxysmal vertigo, 3.1% (2) migraine with aura and 3.1% (2) were diagnosed with abdominal migraine. Compared to OPHs, it was found that the duration of headache attack was shorter (p .013) and vomiting, which is one of the associated symptoms, was observed less in pediatric VM (p .032). The positive response of the whole study population to CH prophylaxis was 85.9%. However, CH prophylaxis responses were higher in VM compared to OPHs at the end of 1 month (63.6%) and 2 months (86.3%).

CONCLUSION

In the pediatric population, the migrainous characters of VM may show differences, but its response to short-term CH prophylaxis is quite good.

Population-based study for the comorbidities and associated factors in Ménière's disease

To date, no study has reported the objective metabolic laboratory findings worldwide or the comorbidities for Ménière’s disease (MD) using a population-based design in Asian populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the comorbidities and associated factors for MD using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. This retrospective population-based study was conducted using a data from the National Sample Cohort database from 2009 to 2015. We only enrolled patients whose records showed a prescription for MD medicine and audiometry findings as well as an appropriate diagnostic code. We also included a matched cohort without MD who were enrolled randomly and matched for sex, age, year of diagnosis, income level, and residential area with the MD group with a ratio of 10:1. We evaluated comorbidities including autoimmune, allergic, metabolic diseases and cancer and the health screening data including general characteristics (height, weight, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood pressure), laboratory findings (fasting glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoproteintryglyceride (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoproteintryglyceride cholesterol, hemoglobin, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltrans- peptidase (rGT)), and general health behaviors (smoking, alcohol, and exercise) of the MD group, and compared these characteristics with those of the MD-free control group. A total of 2,013 and 20,130 participants were included in the MD and MD-free control groups (1,640 and 15,458 for health screening data). We found the increase in incidence of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, decrease in systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and rGT, and less frequent alcohol consumption and less prevalent smoking in the MD group. No significant differences were observed between the groups in the incidence of autoimmune diseases, and cerebro- and cardiovascular disease as well as health screening data and objective laboratory findings. Inconsistence with published studies, the results of this study suggest that the autoimmunity and metabolic disorder, and skeletal growth might not be associated with the onset of MD. Another well-designed study for other races will be needed to the generalization of this study results.

Non-contrast MRI of Inner Ear Detected Differences of Endolymphatic Drainage System Between Vestibular Migraine and Unilateral Ménière's Disease

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of some anatomical variables with regard to endolymphatic sac (ES) and duct (ED), measured by non-contrast three-dimensional sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolutions (3D-SPACE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in differentiating vestibular migraine (VM) from unilateral Ménière's disease (MD).

Methods

In this study, 81 patients with VM, 97 patients with unilateral MD, and 50 control subjects were enrolled. The MRI-visualized parameters, such as the distance between the vertical part of the posterior semicircular canal and the posterior fossa (MRI-PP distance) and visibility of vestibular aqueduct (MRI-VA), were measured bilaterally. The diagnostic value of the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility for differentiating VM from unilateral MD was examined.

Results

(1) Compared with the VM patients, patients with unilateral MD exhibited shorter MRI-PP distance and poorer MRI-VA visibility. No differences in the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility were detected between patients with VM and control subjects. (2) No significant interaural difference in the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility was observed in patients with VM and those with unilateral MD, respectively. (3) Area under the curve (AUC) showed a low diagnostic value for the MRI-PP distance and MRI-VA visibility, respectively, in differentiating between the VM and unilateral MD.

Conclusions

Based on non-enhanced MRI-visualized measurement, anatomical variables with regard to the endolymphatic drainage system differed significantly between the patients with VM and those with unilateral MD. Further investigations are needed to improve the diagnostic value of these indices in differentiating VM from unilateral MD.

A Portrait of Menière's Disease Using Contemporary Hearing and Balance Tests

OBJECTIVE

Menière's disease (MD) is characterized by recurrent vertigo and fluctuating aural symptoms. Diagnosis is straightforward in typical presentations, but a proportion of patients present with atypical symptoms. Our aim is to profile the array of symptoms patients may initially present with and to analyze the vestibular and audiological test results of patients with a diagnosis of MD.

DESIGN

A retrospective study of patient files.

SETTING

A tertiary, neuro-otology clinic Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

METHOD

We identified 375 patients. Their history, examination, vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), video head-impulse test, canal-paresis on caloric testing, subjective visual horizontal (SVH), electrocochleography, ictal nystagmus, and audiometry were assessed.

RESULTS

Atypical presenting symptoms were disequilibrium (n = 49), imbalance (n = 13), drop-attacks (n = 12), rocking vertigo (n = 2), and unexplained vomiting (n = 3), nonspontaneous vestibular symptoms in 21.6%, fluctuation of aural symptoms only (46%), and headaches (31.2%). Low velocity, interictal spontaneous-nystagmus in 13.3% and persistent positional-nystagmus in 12.5%. Nystagmus recorded ictally in 90 patients was mostly horizontal (93%) and of high velocity (48 ± 34°/s). Testing yielded abnormal caloric responses in 69.6% and abnormal video head impulse test 12.7%. Air-conducted cervical VEMPs were abnormal in 32.2% (mean asymmetry ratio [AR] 30.2 ± 46.5%) and bone-conducted ocular VEMPs abnormal in 8.8% (AR 11.2 ± 26.8%). Abnormal interictal SVH was in 30.6%, (ipsiversive n = 46 and contraversive n = 19). Mean pure-tone averages 50 dB ± 23.5 and 20 dB ± 13 for affected and unaffected ears.

CONCLUSION

Menière's disease has a distinctive history, but atypical presentations with normal vestibular function and hearing are a diagnostic challenge delaying treatment initiation.

Update on diagnosis and differential diagnosis of vestibular migraine

BACKGROUND

Vestibular migraine (VM) is considered the most common cause of spontaneous episodic vertigo and the second most common cause of vertigo. However, without a biomarker or a complete understanding of the pathophysiology, VM remains underrecognized and underdiagnosed. Therefore, definite diagnostic criteria are urgently needed. Meanwhile, VM should be clearly differentiated from other similar diseases. This paper may help clinicians improve the diagnostic rate of VM and reduce the rate of misdiagnosis. A PubMed search was performed using the following terms: vestibular migraine, migraine-associated vertigo/dizziness, migraine-related vertigo, migraine-related vestibulopathy, benign recurrent vertigo, vertiginous migraine, migraine, headache, vertigo, dizziness, and diagnosis. This paper also summarizes the diagnostic criteria and differential diagnoses of VM. The diagnosis of VM is based on the symptoms, degree, frequency, and duration of the vestibular episodes, a history of migraine, and the temporal association of migraine symptoms with vestibular episodes in at least 50% of cases, while ruling out what may be due to other reasons. In addition to vestibular symptoms and migraine, transient auditory symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and susceptibility to motion sickness may also be associated with VM. Thus, VM should be differentiated from other diseases such as Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, migraine with brainstem aura, vestibular neuritis, posterior circulation ischemia, multiple lacunar infarction, vestibular paroxysmia, motion sickness, and episodic ataxia type 2.

CONCLUSION

Only if the diagnostic criteria of VM and differential diagnosis can be mastered clearly, we can make a definite diagnosis and treat patients properly.

Update on current diagnosis and treatment of vestibular neuritis

Vertigo is the sensation of self-motion of the head or body when no self-motion is occurring or the sensation of distorted self-motion during an otherwise normal head movement. Representative peripheral vertigo disorders include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Ménière disease, and vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis, also known as vestibular neuronitis, is the third most common peripheral vestibular disorder after benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and Ménière disease. The cause of vestibular neuritis remains unclear. However, a viral infection of the vestibular nerve or ischemia of the anterior vestibular artery is known to cause vestibular neuritis. In addition, recent studies on immune-mediated mechanisms as the cause of vestibular neuritis have been reported. The characteristic clinical features of vestibular neuritis are abrupt true-whirling vertigo lasting for more than 24 hours, and no presence of cochlear symptoms and other neurological symptoms and signs. To accurately diagnose vestibular neuritis, various diagnostic tests such as the head impulse test, bithermal caloric test, and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential test are conducted. Various treatments for vestibular neuritis have been reported, which are largely divided into symptomatic therapy, specific drug therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy. Symptomatic therapies include generalized supportive care and administration of vestibular suppressants and antiemetics. Specific drug therapies include steroid therapy, antiviral therapy, and vasodilator therapy. Vestibular rehabilitation therapies include generalized vestibular and customized vestibular exercises.

Towards Providing an Automated Approach to Differentiating the Nystagmus of Ménière's Disease, Vestibular Migraine, and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

OBJECTIVE

The diagnosis of vertigo is challenging, particularly as patients usually present while asymptomatic. We have developed an ambulatory medical device that allows vestibular telemetry to record eye movements over a 30-day period to aid the diagnosis of vertigo. We have undertaken proof-of-concept work to identify unique properties of nystagmus that could be used to differentiate between three of the most common causes of vertigo: Ménière's disease, vestibular migraine, and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

PATIENTS

We analyze the nystagmus from patients with a diagnosis of Ménière's disease, vestibular migraine, and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo.

INTERVENTIONS

Our vestibular telemetry system includes a wearable, ambulatory monitor which continuously records horizontal and vertical eye-movements, as well as three-axis movements of the head.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Horizontal and vertical eye-movement data, and three-axis head positioning data.

RESULTS

Sixteen participants were enrolled onto the study and three reported experiencing rotatory vertigo during their 30-day trial, confirmed by the presence of nystagmus in their eye-movement traces. Vestibular telemetry revealed distinct differences between the nystagmus produced during an acute Ménière's attack, and attacks of vestibular migraine and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Attack frequency, nystagmus duration, whether the nystagmus onset was motion provoked, nystagmus direction, slow phase velocity, and slow phase duration were found to be discriminatory features that could be exploited to allow an automated diagnosis to be made.

CONCLUSIONS

The data provided by vestibular telemetry can be used to differentiate between different inner-ear causes of dizziness.

Diagnosis of Menière's disease according to the criteria of 2015: Characteristics and challenges in 96 patients

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of Menière's disease (MD) is made according to diagnostic criteria, the last revision of which was in 2015. For diagnosis, symptoms are weighted with audiometric findings and this can be challenging in individual patients.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze patient's characteristics and symptoms in a real-life cohort of 96 patients with diagnosed MD regarding sociodemographic parameters, clinical specifics, and audiometry.

METHODS

Prospective clinical patient registry containing demographic and socioeconomic parameters, symptoms, as well as pure-tone audiometry data.

RESULTS

31 patients with definite MD, and 36 with probable MD were identified. 29 patients showed typical clinical signs of MD, but did not meet the full diagnostic criteria, and were considered separately. Mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 3.9±4.6 years. Significant differences between categories were found regarding aural fullness, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing. If multiple audiograms were available, 28.6 %(6/21) documented fluctuating hearing.

CONCLUSIONS

Current diagnostic criteria probably do not represent patients with monosymptomatic presentation or an early stage very well. Long-term follow-up with repeated audiometry is advisable.

Vestibular drop attacks in Ménière's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of frequency, correlates and consequences

BACKGROUND

Vestibular drop attacks (VDA), also called Tumarkin otolith crises as a complication of Ménière's disease (MD) were first described in 1936. Nevertheless, a clearer understanding of their prevalence and manifestations is needed.

THE OBJECTIVE

of this review is to determine the frequency, correlates and consequences of VDA in MD.

METHOD

Three databases were searched (i.e., MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Academia). A total of 1,791 references were identified, of which 18 studies were considered eligible. There was a large variation in the definition of VDA used in the studies.

RESULTS

The frequency of VDA in MD leading to a fall to the ground varied from 3 to 19% in 9 hospital-based studies. In studies where a less restrictive definition of VDA included attacks with postural perturbation, tripping and near-to-fall situations was used the prevalence ranged from 50 to 72%. The pooled frequency of VDA leading to fall to the ground was 8% (95% CI 4 to 12%) in hospital-based studies. In these studies, VDA often occurred in severe and advanced MD whereas in cohort studies such connection was not found. Co-morbidity with migraine increased the likelihood of VDA occurrence in MD. In 3 studies syncope was recorded in connection to VDA with falls. In terms of clinical manifestation, audiometry, MRI, vestibular evoked muscle response measures indicated endolymphatic hydrops with involvement of the otolith system. The hearing loss was more pronounced, and balance was worse in MD patients with VDA than in those without. Injury associated with VDA was reported in only one study.

CONCLUSIONS

VDA is a common phenomenon in MD, occurring even in mild MD and complicated with syncope. Some preliminary evidence suggests that VDA may lead to severe injuries.

Predictive Value of Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in the Diagnosis of Menière's Disease and Vestibular Migraine

OBJECTIVE

To explore the usefulness of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) in the diagnosis of Menière's disease (MD) and vestibular migraine (VM).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Multidisciplinary neurotology clinic.

PATIENTS

Definite MD and definite VM patients between January, 2015 and May, 2017, as well as healthy volunteers.

INTERVENTIONS

Cervical and ocular VEMP (cVEMP and oVEMP) testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

VEMP response, amplitude, and latency.

RESULTS

Twenty five definite MD, 34 definite VM, and 13 control subjects were analyzed. MD affected ears had significantly lower cVEMP (p = 0.007) and oVEMP (p < 0.001) amplitudes than control ears. VM ears had significantly lower oVEMP (p = 0.001), but not cVEMP (p = 0.198) amplitudes than control ears. MD affected ears, but not VM ears, had significantly more absent cVEMP (25.9% versus 0%, p = 0.005) and oVEMP responses (40.7% versus 0%, p < 0.001) than control ears. oVEMP latency was significantly shorter for both MD affected (p < 0.001) and VM ears (p < 0.001) than control ears. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated using a neurotology clinic MD prevalence of 7.9% in dizzy patients. A present cVEMP or oVEMP both have more than 93% chance of ruling MD out in the tested ear, while a cVEMP amplitude more than 54.9 μV or oVEMP amplitude more than 5.1 μV both have more than 94% of ruling out MD in the tested ear.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite some overlap in VEMP results between MD and VM, when the diagnosis is uncertain between the two disorders due to symptomatic overlap and nonspecific audiometric data, VEMPs can be helpful in guiding treatment toward one disease entity or the other until more evidence points to a definitive diagnosis.

Do we need to reconsider the classification of vestibular migraine?

Introduction: Vestibular migraine (VM) is a complex disease characterized by recurrent episodes of migraine associated with vertigo attacks that are observed in 1-3% of the general population. Given its high prevalence and the impact on the health system, it is important to characterize these patients, in order to offer an accurate diagnosis and a proper treatment. As the diagnosis of VM is based on clinical features, the study of potential biomarkers has gained more interest in the last years, to improve the precision in the diagnosis of this disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the main tests available for the diagnosis of VM, including the accuracy of biomarkers for the diagnosis of VM.Areas covered: This review summarizes the main information on VM, including all diagnosis records published in the field in the last 10 years, and focusing on candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of VM patients.Expert opinion: There is a limited knowledge in the pathophysiology of VM. The search of biomarkers for diagnosis of VM is needed to improve the precision in the diagnosis promoting clinical and translational research. The potential reclassification of VM will depend upon the discovery and validation of these biomarkers.

[Various types of vertigo and balance disorders in patients with Meniere's disease]

Vertigo and balance disorders in Meniere's disease (MD) may have various etiology. The aim of the review is discussing pathogenetic mechanisms of the typical vertiginous paroxysms in MD, resulting from endolymphatic hydrops as well as analysis of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical course and basic treatment of paroxysmal and permanent forms of vertigo and balance disorders, caused by other conditions, associated with MD. We discussed the course of MD complicated by vestibular migraine, benign positional paroxysmal vertigo, functional dizziness, bilateral vestibulopathy and vestibular drop-attacks.

Menière's disease caused by CGRP - A new hypothesis explaining etiology and pathophysiology. Redirecting Menière's syndrome to Menière's disease

This paper provides a new hypothetical explanation for the etiopathology and pathophysiology of Menière's Disease (MD), which to date remain unexplained, or incompletely understood. The suggested hypothesis will explain the close connection of MD and Migraine, the coexistence of endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) and Menière attacks and the signs of inflammation detected in the inner ears of MD patients. Although as yet unproven, the explanations provided appear highly plausible and could pave the way for the generation of the first animal model of MD - an invaluable asset for developing new treatment strategies. Furthermore, if proven correct, this hypothesis could redefine and also reset the actual name of Menière's Syndrome to Menière's Disease.

Clinical Practice Guideline: Ménière's Disease

OBJECTIVE

Ménière's disease (MD) is a clinical condition defined by spontaneous vertigo attacks (each lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours) with documented low- to midfrequency sensorineural hearing loss in the affected ear before, during, or after one of the episodes of vertigo. It also presents with fluctuating aural symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness) in the affected ear. The underlying etiology of MD is not completely clear, yet it has been associated with inner ear fluid (endolymph) volume increases, culminating in episodic ear symptoms (vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness). Physical examination findings are often unremarkable, and audiometric testing may or may not show low- to midfrequency sensorineural hearing loss. Conventional imaging, if performed, is also typically normal. The goals of MD treatment are to prevent or reduce vertigo severity and frequency; relieve or prevent hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness; and improve quality of life. Treatment approaches to MD are many and typically include modifications of lifestyle factors (eg, diet) and medical, surgical, or a combination of therapies.

PURPOSE

The primary purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to improve the quality of the diagnostic workup and treatment outcomes of MD. To achieve this purpose, the goals of this guideline are to use the best available published scientific and/or clinical evidence to enhance diagnostic accuracy and appropriate therapeutic interventions (medical and surgical) while reducing unindicated diagnostic testing and/or imaging.

Value of Endolymphatic Hydrops and Perilymph Signal Intensity in Suspected Ménière Disease

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ménière disease is characterized by endolymphatic hydrops, whereas perilymphatic enhancement on MR imaging has been suggested to be of additional value in diagnosing Ménière disease. This study evaluates the presence of endolymphatic hydrops and perilymphatic enhancement in patients with Ménière disease and with other vertigo-associated inner ear pathology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 3D-FLAIR sequence 4 hours after intravenous gadolinium injection was performed to visualize the endolymph and perilymph in 220 patients suspected of having Ménière disease. Patients' ears were retrospectively categorized as having Ménière disease (probable or definite) or other vertigo-associated inner ear pathology not attributable to Ménière disease. Endolymphatic hydrops was evaluated using a visual classification system, and perilymphatic enhancement was scored both visually and quantitatively.

RESULTS

Endolymphatic hydrops was present in 137 (91.9%) of the definite Ménière disease ears and in 9 (7.0%) of the ears with other vertigo-associated inner ear pathology (P < .001). The combination of endolymphatic hydrops and visually increased perilymphatic enhancement was present in 122 (81.9%) definite Ménière disease ears compared with 4 (3.1%) ears with other vertigo-associated inner ear pathology (P < .001). This combination increases the positive predictive value from 0.94 for endolymphatic hydrops and 0.91 for perilymphatic enhancement to 0.97. The addition of measured perilymphatic enhancement leads to a moderate decrease in sensitivity from 0.92 for endolymphatic hydrops to 0.86.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of perilymphatic enhancement and endolymphatic hydrops in patients suspected of having Ménière disease increases the positive predictive value in the diagnosis of definite Ménière disease.

Conservative Treatment Possibilities of Ménière Disease, Involving Vertigo Diaries

Ménière disease is a disorder of the inner ear, characterized by rotational vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vegetative symptoms. The aim of the present research is to examine the effectiveness of betahistine and piracetam in the reduction of vertigo attacks in Ménière disease. To verify our hypothesis, 105 (31 male and 74 females, mean age [standard deviation], 57.4 [11.05]) adult patients with definite Ménière disease were enrolled in this investigation. Beside the analysis of the hospital records, the subjective complaints of the patients and the completed vertigo diaries were taken into consideration too. The statistical analysis was completed using the IBM SPSS version 24 software. Retrospective analysis, including a 12 years period was conducted. Based on our results, betahistine was successful in the reduction of attacks. Statistically significant decrease was achieved in frequency of dizziness (P = .000331) and vertigo (P < .00001) and in the duration of them (P = .000098), although in the mean power of them was not (P = .0887). The mean dose in the symptomatic treatment was determined as 87.5 ± 27.2 mg per day; however, there was no connection detected between the dose of the agent and the effectiveness of the symptomatic control. By using dual therapy (betahistine and piracetam), vertigo episodes appeared significantly less often (P = .027, Odds ratio: 4.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-20.2). Finally, it can be concluded that betahistine is effective in Ménière disease, but the daily dose of it should be set up for every patient individually. The advantage of the dual therapy was also confirmed.

Vestibular Migraine

The term vestibular migraine designates recurrent vertigo that is caused by migraine. Vestibular migraine presents with episodes of spontaneous or positional vertigo lasting seconds to days that are accompanied by migraine symptoms. Because headache is often absent during acute attacks, other migraine features have to be identified by thorough history taking. In contrast, vestibular testing serves mainly for the exclusion of other diagnoses. Treatment still lacks solid evidence. It is targeted at the underlying migraine and comprises explanation and reassurance, lifestyle modifications, and drugs.

[Vascular mechanisms in Meniere's disease]

Meniere's disease (MD) is chronic multifactorial medical condition caused by endolymphatic hydrops, which etiology is unclear. This review highlights possible vascular mechanisms of MD. Impairment of vascular regulation, further ischemic damage of labyrinth and venous drainage pathology could lead to endolymphatic hydrops. Epidemiologic studies reveal high comorbidity of MD and migraine. Both diseases could be the result of trigeminovascular dysfunction. Betahistine, the medication with vascular effect, is widely used in treatment of MD, the effectiveness of calcium channel blockers is evaluated. Keywords: vertigo, Meniere's disease, endolymphatichydrops, migraine, vascular mechanisms, betahistine.

Association between Syncope and Tumarkin Attacks in Ménière's Disease

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to further collect evidence that would confirm the hypothesis that vestibular drop attacks (VDAs) could cause syncope in patients with Ménière's disease (MD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey design was employed in the present study. An Internet-based survey was administered on 602 individuals with MD. The mean age of the participants was 56.7 (25-75) years, and the mean duration of the disease was 12.4 (0.5-35) years.

RESULTS

VDAs with varying severity were present among 307 (50.7%) patients and led to fall in 92 patients, and syncope occurred in 45 patients with VDA. The overall percentage of syncope due to MD was 4.7%. Factors, such as duration of disease, age, and gender of the patient, did not explain attacks of syncope. Migraine and headache were not associated with syncope. Syncope was witnessed in 23 and self-reported by 22 patients. Syncope was associated with frequent VDA, duration of VDA, and falls that occurred during VDA. Patients with syncope reported the experience as frightening, had reduced general health-related quality of life, had higher anxiousness scores, and suffered more from fatigue. They also experienced problems with work, employment, and social restrictions.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 5% of patients with MD suffer from syncope, and syncope occurs among patients with VDA. In vestibular syncope, the sympathetic tone is lost, and baroreflex feedback is inhibited leading to fall and syncope. The consequences of vestibular syncope are severe, and patients face injuries and a significantly reduced quality of life.