Functional Level Scale Research Articles

Long-term outcome of patients with Ménière’s disease following cochlear implantation: a comprehensive outcome study with validated assessment tools

PurposePatients suffering from Ménière’s disease (MD) experience vertigo, and impairments in hearing and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to investigate the impact of cochlear implantation (CI) on various aspects affecting patients with MD.MethodsA single tertiary centre’s CI database for CI recipients with MD between 2014 and 2022 was screened retrospectively. Hearing, vertigo, tinnitus symptoms, and hearing-related QoL were assessed. Pre- and postoperative hearing tests in conjunction with subjective outcome measures by visual analogue scale (VAS) and validated tools such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ), as well as the assessment of the pre- and postoperative Functional Level Scale (FLS) were examined.ResultsEleven ears were included (median age: 59 years at implantation). Following implantation, there was a significant enhancement in Word Recognition Scores at sound levels of 65 dB and 80 dB compared to before treatment (preop vs. 12 months postop: p = 0.012). However, no significant enhancement was observed for 50 dB. MD-related impairments improved significantly postoperatively, as measured by the VAS (vertigo: p = 0.017; tinnitus: p = 0.042), DHI (p = 0.043), THI (p = 0.043) and NCIQ (p < 0.001). The FLS improved significantly (p = 0.020).ConclusionCI has positive effects on all areas examined in our cohort. However, discrimination of speech at low sound pressure levels remained problematic postoperatively. In patients suffering from MD, the prioritized treatment goals include not only improved hearing but also the rehabilitation of vertigo and tinnitus, as well as the enhancement of QoL. Validated instruments are useful screening tools.

Functional outcomes and caloric response changes after endolymphatic sac decompression

ObjectiveTo evaluate caloric response changes after endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD), together with hearing outcomes and the functional benefit of the operation. MethodsA retrospective chart review of subjects who underwent endolymphatic sac decompression at a tertiary referral centre was performed. Data on audiological results, caloric testing, and functional level scale of the patients were analysed. ResultsTwenty-eight patients who met our criteria were eligible for enrolment in the study. The average follow-up after surgery was 25 months (range, 13–41). Postoperative pure-tone threshold averages and reduced vestibular response values (RVR) were not significantly altered by ESD; whereas, functional level scores improved significantly. ConclusionEndolymphatic sac decompression is a surgical procedure that preserves hearing and vestibular function, and improves the daily functional level of patients with Ménière's disease. ESD can be preferred both in bilateral and unilateral disease because it does not alter vestibular function and preserves hearing.

Tympanostomy tube placement for intractable Meniere’s disease in the elderly

Background The treatment of refractory elderly Meniere’s disease is a challenge. Aim To investigate the efficacy of tympanostomy tube placement in elderly patients with Meniere’s disease. Methods 31 patients over 60 years old with Meniere’s disease who had failed medical treatment and underwent tympanostomy tube placement. Vertigo control, hearing level, tinnitus, and ear fullness were recorded and analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively. Results All patients completed a 6-month follow-up. At 6 months postoperatively,complete control, substantial control and limited control of vertigo were achieved in 10 (32%), 13 (42%), and 6 (19%) patients respectively. Two patients (6%) reported no substantial improvement. Twelve patients completed a 2-year follow-up. At 2 years postoperatively, complete control, substantial control and limited control of vertigo were achieved in 3 (25%), 5 (42%), and 1 (8%) patients respectively. Three (25%) patients showed no significant improvement in vertigo. The majority of patients reported significant improvement in the functional level scale, the Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores, and ear fullness at 6 months and 2 years postoperatively. Conclusions and Significance Tympanostomy tube placement may reduce vertigo attacks and improved the quality of life in elderly patients with Meniere’s disease.

Üniversite öğrencilerinin fonksiyonel besinlere yönelik tutum, davranış ve bilgi düzeyinin değerlendirilmesi

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine the knowledge level of students studying at a public university in Malatya, about functional foods, and to evaluate the factors affecting their attitudes and behaviors.&#x0D; Material and methods: A total of 618 individuals, 363 women and 255 men, studying at universities in Malatya were included in the study. Research data were collected by face-to-face survey method. The questionnaire consists of questions about demographic characteristics, questions about eating habits, questions about general health, anthropometric measurements (body weight, height) and functional foods knowledge level and food preference scale sections. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program.&#x0D; Results: The mean age of the individuals participating in the study was 23.15±4.25 years. It was determined that 65.04% of the individuals had heard the term functional food before. It was determined that the YETBİD-Basic Nutritional Knowledge Scores were higher in females (54.66±8.85) than males (51.14±8.22) (p=0.031). Individuals' knowledge attitude scale confidence subheading score for functional foods was found to be higher in women (3.95±1.04) than in men (3.15±1.04) (p=0.044). It was observed that as the basic nutrition score increased in both women and men, the score of the attitude scale towards functional foods also increased. In the multiple regression, it was determined that the total score of the attitude scale towards functional foods was significantly affected by the variables of female gender, duration of education, basic nutrition score, and food preference score (p

Functional status, social support, and anxiety among postnatal women of Eastern India

IntroductionThough becoming a mother is a joyous experience, the postpartum time can be difficult and stressful for women as they deal with significant physical alterations and adjustments to their daily routines. However, very few studies have focused on the functional well-being of the woman after childbirth. This study aims to find the level of functional status, social support, and anxiety among women attending immunization clinics. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted to recruit 220 women in this study from two immunization clinic centers in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Data were collected using a self-reported sociodemographic profile, functional level scale after childbirth, modified multidimensional scale of perceived social support, and postnatal anxiety scale. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were used for data analysis, including mean, percentage, and Fisher exact. Results59.5 % of women returned to a moderate level of functional status after six weeks postpartum. The majority of women, 98.6 % and 83.6 %, reported high levels of return to personal care and baby care, respectively, whereas 34.7 % had moderate levels of return to home activities and 90 % had low levels of return to community and social tasks. Also, 70 % of women had high perceived social support, and 87.7 % had no anxiety. In this study, normal delivery women had better functional status than their cesarean delivery counterparts. Moreover, functional status was significantly associated with anxiety at six postpartum weeks. ConclusionAfter six weeks of childbirth, most women only partially resumed their pre-pregnancy functional state. So, much more time, rest, and support from family members were needed to recover to a fully functional level. Nurses, midwives, and the family members of women should be aware of the critical role that social support plays in enhancing a woman's functional and psychological status during the postpartum period.

Intratympanic dexamethasone in Manières disease and symptom control

Background Manières disease (MD) is a chronic inner ear disease characterized by recurrent vertigo and fluctuation in auditory symptoms. Vertigo spells have a sudden onset and are difficult for patients to handle. Therefore, treating a patient with MD is still a challenge for clinicians. Aims This study aims to analyse the short-term effects of intratympanic dexamethasone (ITD) on the various symptoms of unilateral MD. Materials and methods The study comprised 27 patients with unilateral MD and severe vertigo who failed medication therapy. Treatment was with ITD as an alternative to destructive therapy. Treatment is evaluated after four months. Results Significant improvements were measured with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), frequency of vertigo attacks longer than 20 min, Functional Level Scale (FLS), and tinnitus sensation measured by the Analog Visual Scale (AVS). Patients with severe symptoms grading with DHI and THI experienced the most improvement. Patients have achieved substantial vertigo control in 73%. Conclusion ITD application shows improvement in controlling vertigo and tinnitus in patients under exacerbation in MD. Significance It is a promising non-destructive addition to the ‘stepwise treatment concept’ in MD and can be used as a first-line treatment in vertigo control.

Detailed clinical characteristics and its correlation with the diagnostic test results in patients with defined Mnire&apos;s disease.

Mnire&apos;s disease is characterized by vertigo episodes with nausea and vomiting accompanied by aural symptoms. Diagnosis is based on clinical manifestation and sensorineural hearing loss confirmed in pure tone audiometry. The purpose was to evaluate clinical features and audiological and vestibular tests in patients with definite Mnire&apos;s disease. Seventy patients were enrolled in this study. The severity of the main clinical symptoms and audiological and vestibular tests were evaluated. The correlation between the clinical features and test results was evaluated. 14.29% of patients presented complete clinical characteristics as the first manifestation of Mnire&apos;s disease. 50% of patients suffered from isolated aural symptoms during the early stage of the disease. The subpopulation reporting hearing improvement after vertigo attack (28.57%) was characterized by shorter disease duration than the rest of the group. A statistically significant correlation between disease duration and pure tone average was found. 17.14% of patients reported Tumarkin drop attacks in their past medical history. Neither disease duration nor functional level scale was different in these patients compared to other patients. Mnire&apos;s disease is often characterized by isolated aural symptoms or incomplete clinical manifestation during the early stage of the disease. The correlation between disease duration and pure tone average confirms that endolymphatic hydrops evolution causes hearing loss. A patient&apos;s quality of life is a fundamental aspect of clinical assessment. No significant correlation between disease duration and functional level scale was found. Thus Mnire&apos;s disease should be considered an individually variable and dynamic phenomenon.

Association of Dizziness-Related Handicap or Disability with Clinical Features in Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease.

Complaining of dizziness is common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) even at the early phase of the disease. Therefore, regarding motor or non-motor symptoms, clinical implication of subjective dizziness in early Parkinsonian patients is needed to be explored. Eighty patients diagnosed with early PD (defined by disease duration of five years or less) were retrospectively enrolled for the study. Dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) Functional Level Scale (FLS), and clinical features of parkinsonian motor and non-motor symptoms using representative measurements. Through simple and multiple linear regression analyses, we found that both DHI and FLS were significantly and positively correlated with postural instability/gait disorder (PIGD) score but negatively with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) score. We found that subjective dizziness in patients with early PD was related to not only axial symptoms of PIGD, but also global cognitive function of MoCA. Further research is required to confirm our results.

Bifenestral surgical and chemical labyrinthectomy, a new effective ablative surgical approach to intractable vertigo in Ménière disease elderly patients

IntroductionIn this article, the bi-fenestral surgical chemical labyrinthectomy is introduced as a surgical demolition technique for treating resisting incurable forms of Meniere’s disease in patients aged over 70 and/or with low hearing residues refractory to medical treatment. Materials and methodsThe results on participants fitting the inclusion criteria (n = 16) were reported using anamnesis (frequency of the crisis), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Functional Level Scale (FLS) before and after the intervention. ResultsVertigo control was achieved in all patients of this case series. A difference of 57 and 3.67 in mean DHI (from 68 (SD 16.7) to 11 (SD 14)) and FLS (from 4.68 (SD 0.7) to 0.1 (SD 0.3)) scores respectively were seen after an average of 16.28 months. Contextually tinnitus was reported to improve in seven patients (43.75%), aggravate in three (18.75%) and remain unchanged in the remaining six (37.5%). ConclusionBi-fenestral surgical chemical labyrinthectomy appears a safe, immediate, and effective demolition treatment for vertigo control in a restricted class of patients affected by intractable Meniere disease.

Is endolymphatic sac surgery an efficient treatment of Menière's disease patients? A systematic literature search and meta-analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to assess the treatment efficiency of endolymphatic sac surgery in patients with Menière's disease.MethodsThis study provides a systematic literature review and meta-analysis based on the guidelines of the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. The main inclusion criteria of the literature review were the classification categories according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines of 1985 and 1995.ResultsAn effect of 9.25 dB postoperative weighted average hearing loss in surgically treated individuals is classified as "clinically not significant" according to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery 85/95. In contrast, the deterioration by 26.23% in speech comprehension is considered as "clinically significant." An improvement of functional level scale assessment by two categories and vertigo control by assessment in category B can be observed.ConclusionThe findings of this meta-analysis indicate that endolymphatic sac surgery may be beneficial as a treatment for Menière's disease in terms of a positive impact on functional level scale and vertigo control while yielding a negative impact on pure tone average hearing loss and on speech comprehension.

Bifenestral surgical and chemical labyrinthectomy, a new effective ablative surgical approach to intractable vertigo in Ménière disease elderly patients

IntroductionIn this article, the bi-fenestral surgical chemical labyrinthectomy is introduced as a surgical demolition technique for treating resisting incurable forms of Meniere’s disease in patients aged over 70 and/or with low hearing residues refractory to medical treatment. Materials and methodsThe results on participants fitting the inclusion criteria (n = 16) were reported using anamnesis (frequency of the crisis), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Functional Level Scale (FLS) before and after the intervention. ResultsVertigo control was achieved in all patients of this case series. A difference of 57 and 3.67 in mean DHI (from 68 (SD 16.7) to 11 (SD 14)) and FLS (from 4.68 (SD 0.7) to 0.1 (SD 0.3)) scores respectively were seen after an average of 16.28 months. Contextually tinnitus was reported to improve in seven patients (43.75%), aggravate in three (18.75%) and remain unchanged in the remaining six (37.5%). ConclusionBi-fenestral surgical chemical labyrinthectomy appears a safe, immediate, and effective demolition treatment for vertigo control in a restricted class of patients affected by intractable Meniere disease.

Relationship Between Pneumonia and Dysphagia in Patients With Multiple System Atrophy.

IntroductionDysphagia is one of the most clinically significant disabilities in patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), because it can cause aspiration pneumonia, which is potentially fatal. In this study, the Neuromuscular disease Swallowing Status Scale (NdSSS), which was developed to evaluate dysphagia in patients with neuromuscular diseases, was used to evaluate patients with MSA. In addition, correlation between a history of pneumonia and swallowing function was evaluated.MethodsStudy 1: Reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness of the NdSSS in patients with MSA. In 81 patients for whom evaluation items could be collected, the NdSSS was tested for its interrater and intrarater reliability using weighted kappa statistics. Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating the NdSSS with existing scales (Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Functional Intake LEVEL Scale (FILS), and the unified MSA rating scale (UMSARS)) using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. Sixty-three patients were evaluated by videofluorographic (VF) swallowing examination. To evaluate concurrent validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated between the NdSSS and VF swallowing assessments. Additionally, scale responsiveness was determined using the standardized response mean (SRM) in 23 patients who could be followed up to assess their long-term course. Study 2: Cross-sectional survey of swallowing function and history of pneumonia. Data regarding history of pneumonia, UMSARS, NdSSS, age, sex, MSA subtype, and disease duration were retrospectively obtained from the medical records of 113 patients with MSA. Differences in these parameters and NdSSS stage between those with and without a history of pneumonia were examined using the Mann-Whitney test or chi-squared test. Furthermore, clinical factors related to a history of pneumonia were examined by binomial logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe NdSSS showed satisfactory reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness. A history of pneumonia was related to the severity of MSA, age, MSA subtype, and NdSSS stage. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that NdSSS stage (odds ratio (OR), 0.490; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.301–0.797, p = 0.001) and MSA subtype (OR, 4.031; 95% CI, 1.225–13.269, p = 0.021) were significantly associated with a history of pneumonia.ConclusionsIn patients with MSA, the NdSSS has sufficient reliability, concurrent validity, and responsiveness for assessing dysphagia. Patients with a history of pneumonia have more severe dysphagia. We found that the pneumonia risk was related to NdSSS stage and MSA-p (predominantly parkinsonism). Meticulous care to prevent aspiration is needed from early stages of the disease.

Outcomes of Endolymphatic Sac Surgery for Meniere's Disease with and without Comorbid Migraine.

Purpose To explore outcomes of endolymphatic sac surgery for patients with Meniere's disease with and without the comorbid condition of migraine. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing endolymphatic sac surgery at a single tertiary care center from 1987 to 2019 was performed. All adult patients who failed medical therapy and underwent primary endolymphatic sac surgery were included. The main outcome measures were vertigo control and functional level scale (FLS) score. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, and audiometric outcomes were tracked as well. Results Patients with Meniere's disease and migraine had a stronger association with psychiatric comorbidities (64.29% vs. 25.80%, p=0.01), shorter duration of vertigo episodes (143 vs. 393 min, p=0.02), and younger age (36.6 vs. 50.8 yr, p=0.005) at the time of endolymphatic sac surgery. Postoperative pure tone averages and word recognition scores were nearly identical to preoperative baselines. Class A vertigo control (47.92%) was most common, followed by class B vertigo control (31.25%). The FLS score improved from 4.2 to 2.8 (p < 0.001). Both patients with and without migraine had classes A-B vertigo control (66.67% vs. 80.95%) without any statistically significant difference (p=0.59). Of the patients who required secondary treatment (10.42%), none had migraine. Conclusions Endolymphatic sac surgery is an effective surgical intervention for Meniere's disease with and without migraine. Patients with comorbid migraine tend to be younger and present with psychiatric comorbidities.

Intratympanic injection of dexamethasone for Menires disease. What relief can be expected? A case-series study

Introduction: In patients suffering from Menires disease (MD), after failure of oral medical treatment, intratympanic in-jections (IT) may be achieved, among which, IT with dexamethasone (DXM). IT DXM has been reported to be effective on vestibular symptoms but very few reports focus on auditory symptoms. &lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Aim: Here we assessed its efficacy both in vestibular and auditory symptoms.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Patients and method: Twenty-seven MD patients who suffered from auditory and vestibular symptoms despite previous sys-temic medical treatment, underwent at least one series of five daily consecutive IT DXM. Auditory and vestibular assessment were achieved before IT DXM, and four months afterwards. Patients were ranked according to the vestibular functional level scale of the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head Neck society (1995) at the same periods. A specifically designed qu-estionnaire, focused on auditory symptoms was administered after IT DXM. Comparisons used a Chi-2 test for paired series, with p 0.05 considered significant.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Results: The vestibular functional level shifted significantly towards lower levels, the median shifting from level 4 to 3. There was no complication but two persistent tympanic membrane perforation. Twelve patients (44.4%) had recurrent symptoms, on average 7 months after IT DXM and required additional treatment. Tonal and speech audiometry did not improve, neither the objective auditory and vestibular assessment. Based on the questionnaire, IT DXM was effective on auditory symptoms, at least on tinnitus in 9 cases (33.3%), mainly by lowering its intensity.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Conclusion: IT DXM confirmed its capacity to relieve vestibular and auditory symptoms, in particular tinnitus, even though transiently.

On-Demand and Low Dose Intratympanic Gentamicin for Meniere's Disease: A Customized Approach.

To evaluate the efficacy of on demand and low dose intratympanic gentamicin (ITG) in patients with intractable Meniere's disease (MD). Clinical chart review. Secondary care center. Subjects with MD who failed conventional treatment and underwent on demand ITG infiltration from June 2013 to December 2018. 0.4 to 0.5 ml of buffered gentamicin were administered through an intratympanic route. A total of 5 mg in case of low dose and 20 mg as a standard dose. Vertigo control, Meniere's Disease Functional Level Scale (MDFLS), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and pure tone audiometry pre and posttreatment. Thirty-one patients, 16 women and 15 men with a mean age of 52.81 (22-79) years were included. The number of ITG injections ranged from 1 to 7, with a mean of 2.52 applications per patient. Mean interval between doses was 212.15 (21-1442) days. Average follow-up was 24.03 months. An improvement on MDFLS was seen on 77.4% (n = 24) patients. DHI score improved after gentamicin treatment (mean 55.23 versus 24.06, p ≤ 0.001). Thirty patients (96.8%) reached complete or substantial vertigo control. Only one patient did not achieve control. Hearing was preserved in 43.5% (n = 10) of analyzed audiograms, whereas 17.4% (n = 4) developed hearing loss greater than 20 dB, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.099). In our study, on demand and low dose ITG was effective for vertigo control in patients with intractable MD. Individualized therapy is recommended in all patients to minimize vestibular and cochlear toxicity.

Long-term vertigo control after cochlear implantation in patients with end-stage Menière’s disease

SummaryBackgroundMenière’s disease (MD) is a symptom complex which is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, which worsens during the course of the disease.ObjectiveVertigo attacks (MD functional level scale) before compared to after cochlear implantation in patients with end-stage MD.Design and patientsIn this questionnaire-based cross-sectional study eight patients with end-stage MD, who received a cochlear implant (CI) were analyzed.Main outcome measureThe effect of the CI on vertigo was measured preoperatively and postoperatively with the Menière’s disease functional level scale and the Menière’s disease outcome questionnaire. The primary outcome parameter influence of vertigo attacks on daily living was analyzed using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank test before and after CI.SettingDepartment of otolaryngology of a medical university.ResultsThe primary outcome measure influence of vertigo attacks on daily living as measured by the MD functional level scale improved significantly after CI.ConclusionA CI can be an adequate treatment for vertigo attacks in patients with end-stage MD; however, due to the small sample size additional (multicenter) trials are necessary to confirm the findings.

The effect of surgical treatment on Meniere's disease

Objective:To compare functional outcomes after different surgical procedures in treatment of patients with Meniere's disease. Method:Patients with Meniere's disease were categorized into different groups mainly based on pure-tone average and functional level scale. Individualized surgical procedure was provided including endolymphatic sac shunt or decompression (ELSS), vestibular neurectomy (VN), labyrinthectomy (LC), semicircular canals plugging (SCP) and endolymphatic duct blockage (EDB). Result:Vertigo control rate of Grade A and B was 78.4% in patients with ELSS, 100.0% with VN, 100.0% with LC, 87.0% with SCP and 86.4% with EDB, respectively. Hearing was preserved with ELSS, VN and EDB postoperatively (P>0.05). But there was a significant hearing loss after SCP (P<0.05). Postoperatively, the QOL score improved significantly in each group (P<0.01). There were CSF leakage in 4 cases, temporary facial paralysis in 1 case, intracranial infection in 1 case, and abdominal hematoma in 5 cases in VN group after surgeries. None of the above complications occurred in other groups. Conclusion:Surgical Treatment choice for patients with Meniere's disease depends on several factors. The functional outcomes after different surgeries are generally satisfying. Residual hearing can be preserved effectively and the quality of life can be improved greatly. VN can effectively eradicate vertigo and preserve residual hearing, however, there is still a risk of some complications with this procedure. As for VN, retrolabyrinthine approach is more advantageous compared with retrosigmoid sinus approach.

Endolymphatic Sac Decompression With Intra-Sac Dexamethasone Injection in Menière's Disease.

Endolymphatic sac decompression surgery (ELSD) may be used to treat patients who have Menière's 's disease refractory to medical therapy. In this study, we investigated whether or not the injection of steroid into the endolymphatic sac at the time of ELSD provides additional benefit to patient outcomes. Randomized prospective single-blinded placebo-controlled study. Tertiary center. Patients with Menière's disease with poorly controlled vertigo despite medical therapy and serviceable hearing that were offered ELSD. Patients randomized into two groups, with control group (n = 17) undergone ELSD without steroid injection and experimental group undergone ELSD with steroid injection (n = 18) MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):: Audiogram, dizziness handicap inventory, tinnitus handicap inventory, frequency of vertigo spells, functional level scale, and quality of life were obtained at multiple intervals from preoperatively to 24 months postoperatively. ELSD resulted in a statistically significant improvement in vertigo control whether or not steroid was injected into the endolymphatic sac at the time of surgery. However, no additional benefit was observed with the addition of intra-sac steroid injection. No statistical difference in pure-tone average, tinnitus handicap inventory, dizziness handicap inventory, or quality of life was observed between the steroid and nonsteroid surgical groups up to 24 months postoperatively. ELSD is an effective treatment for Menière's disease refractory to medical therapy; however, the addition of intra-sac steroid injection at the time of surgery does not seem to result in a further improvement in patient outcomes.

Translabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy and simultaneous cochlear implant for Ménière's disease.

Surgical management of Ménière's disease (MD) is recommended in case of medical and intratympanic treatment failures. Translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section has been considered the gold standard for denervation procedures in order to control vertigo attacks, although at the cost of sacrificing residual hearing. To the best of our knowledge, no work has been published with regard to a group of patients submitted to translabyrinthine vestibular neurectomy and simultaneous cochlear implant for MD. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section and simultaneous cochlear implant in a prospective study. All adult patients (over 18years of age) with a diagnosis of intractable unilateral definite MD and useless residual hearing function were enrolled after medical and intratympanic treatment failures. Pre- and postoperative otoneurological evaluation concerned: frequency of vertigo attacks, head impulse test and caloric testing, pure tone average and speech perception audiometry in quiet conditions, tinnitus handicap inventory test, functional level scale and rate of vertigo control, dizziness handicap inventory test, and MD patient-oriented severity index. At least 6months of follow-up were needed to be enrolled in the study. Four patients were included in the study. Translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section and simultaneous cochlear implant seemed to considerably improve the disabling effects of MD, achieving a good control of vestibular symptoms (mean pre/postoperative vertigo attacks per month: 16.5/0), resolving hearing loss (mean pre/postoperative pure tone average in the affected ear: 86.2/32.5dB), improving the tinnitus (mean pre/postoperative tinnitus handicap inventory test: 77.2/6), and finally increasing the overall quality-of-life parameters. In our preliminary report, translabyrinthine vestibular nerve section and simultaneous cochlear implant showed encouraging results in order to definitively control both vestibular and cochlear symptoms during the same therapeutic procedure.

Low dose intratympanic gentamicin for control of intractable vertigo

Background and Objectives: Intratympanic gentamicin therapy is an effective modality for control of vertigo in Meniere's disease (MD) and when given in low concentration (<30 mg/mL), once weekly minimizes its side effects like chronic vestibular insufficiency or hearing loss. We studied the efficacy of low dose interval intratympanic gentamicin therapy in control of intractable vertigo in MD and the postprocedure hearing loss. As gentamicin is vestibular end-organ selective and not specific for treatment of MD alone we studied its efficacy in non-Meniere's peripheral vertigo (NMPV) in patients with nonserviceable hearing in affected ear. Subjects and Methods: Our study included 13 patients with “Definite” MD and seven patients with NMPV. In MD group, one treatment series consisted of a maximum of 3 weekly intratympanic gentamicin injections of 0.3 mL (12 mg) of gentamicin. In NMPV group, the schedule was similar but dosage per injection was 0.5 mL (20 mg). Another similar series of injections were repeated for recurrences. Results: Significant reduction was noted in number of vertigo spells in both groups after treatment (P < 0.001). All the patients experienced either complete or substantial control (Class A or B) of their vertigo. The functional level scale had significantly improved posttreatment in both groups (P < 0.01). No significant worsening in hearing was noted in any of the patients in MD group. Interpretation and Conclusion: Low dose interval intratympanic gentamicin is a simple cost-effective office procedure for managing vertigo in patients with MD and in patients with NMPV and nonserviceable hearing.