Abstract

The ablation treatment of Meniere's disease by intratympanic streptomycin applications was first reported by Schuknecht in 1957. Streptomycin and gentamycin are the most frequent aminoglycosides used for the Meniere's disease treatment. Gentamycin is responsible for the damage of vestibular dark cells causing the impairment of endolymph production. This method gives the possibility for the control of the vertigo with a potential hearing preservation. Fifteen patients with unilateral Meniere's disease who had not responded to conventional therapy, were treated by intratympanic gentamycin injections. The hearing status and the caloric test were staged before and after treatment according to the AAO-HNS guidelines. Overall results after minimum 1 year follow-up in this group were as shown below: complete vertigo control--5 patients, substantial vertigo control--8 patients, complete relief of tinnitus--10, relief of aural fullness--12 patients, hearing loss--none. According to presented results, intratympanic injections of gentamycin is the useful alternative to the surgery. This method should be consider in every patient with the unilateral Meniere's disease, who had not responded to the conventional treatment.