Vestibular function in Meniere's patients

Meniere’s disease (MD) is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodic attacks of vertigo with hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. Vertigo is a common feature in MD patients, but the pathophysiology is still largely unknown. Videonystagmography (VNG) is a sensitive tool for oculomotor system and differential diagnosis and treatment monitoring of vestibular system disturbances. The aim of the present study was to explore the VNG findings in patients with severe MD. In a cross-sectional design, we examined 75 (45 males and 30females) 22-47 years-old patients with severe MD who were referred to ENT clinics of Imam Khomeini and Apadana Hospitals, Ahwaz. Balance function was assessed using VNG test-battery comprising of oculomotor (optokinetics, smooth pursuit, saccade and gaze), caloric and positional tests. The results of gaze,optokinetic and smooth pursuit and saccadic eye movement (accuracy, latency and velocity) were within normal limits. Positional evaluation in eye-covered condition was abnormal in 14MD patients. Directional preponderance and unilateral weakness indexes were abnormal in 13.33 % and 88.10 % of patients, respectively. Fixation index was also normal in all patients. Our findings revealed thatVNG isa suitabletool for vestibular function assessment in Meniere’s patients and among its subcomponents, caloric irrigation constitute the most sensitive test.