Physiologic Effects on the Vestibular System in Meniere's Disease

Abstract

Ménière syndrome is an inner ear disorder characterized by spontaneous attacks of vertigo, fluctuating low-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness and tinnitus. When the syndrome is idiopathic and cannot be attributed to any other cause (eg, syphilis, immune-mediated inner ear disease, surgical trauma), it is referred to as Ménière disease. This article reviews the physiologic effects of Ménière disease on vestibular function, as measured by caloric, head impulse, and vestibular-evoked myogenic potential testing.