Abstract
Background: To explore and characterize balance problems in subjects with Ménière’s disease (MD). Methods: A total of 539 people with MD with a mean age of 61.9 years, mean disease history of 15.6 years, and 79.5% females were recruited. The online questionnaire, consisting of 39 questions, including both structured and open-ended questions, focused on symptoms of MD, balance problems, impacts of the complaints, and quality of life (QoL). Results: After hearing loss (58%) and tinnitus (50%), balance problems (44%) were among the most commonly reported MD complaints, even higher than the impact of vertigo (40%). However, only 22% reported that those balance problems made obvious impacts in their daily lives. The most common balance problem that significantly reduced QoL was tripping (34%). Swaying (25%) had a limited impact on QoL, whereas rocking (10%) was less common but caused a significant impact on QoL. Non-defined balance problems were reported at 18%; these were occasional and correlated with vertigo attacks. Older participants had more frequent tripping problems. Younger participants more frequently reported swaying and rocking. Conclusions: Risk factors predicting poor postural control were mostly related to complaints reflecting otolith pathology. Different types of postural problems require different strategies to manage balance control and cope with the disease.
Highlights
Inner ear diseases, including hearing loss and vestibular derangements, are public health problems worldwide
Permission was obtained from the Finnish Ménière Federation (FMF; Suomen Meniere-liitto) to analyze registry data the FMF had collected from their members by a questionnaire on symptoms related to Ménière’s disease (MD)
The present study evaluated balance problems in patients with MD who had a long history of illness
Summary
Inner ear diseases, including hearing loss and vestibular derangements, are public health problems worldwide. One of the most debilitating inner ear disorders is Ménière’s disease (MD), which carries symptoms including hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus, and other associated health consequences that can lead to a significantly deteriorated quality of life (QoL) [1]. While most MD patients report true vertigo, many describe their dizziness as a sensation of unsteadiness, imbalance, disequilibrium, and a feeling of unreality Complaints such as vestibular drop attacks (VDA) with or without syncope are reported [5]. A recent international definition of MD focuses on vertigo attacks, tinnitus, and hearing loss, but the significant impacts of the disease on gait and postural stability are less studied and not included in current disease definitions [6,7]. Results: After hearing loss (58%) and tinnitus (50%), balance problems (44%) were among the most commonly reported MD complaints, even higher than the impact of vertigo (40%). Different types of postural problems require different strategies to manage balance control and cope with the disease
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