A Newly Recognized Etiology of Meniere's Syndrome A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Many etiologic agents for Meniere's syndrome have been proposed, suggesting a heterogeneous nature for this disorder. Dissimilar etiologies could, of course, yield disparate responses to uniform treatment. Although electrocochleography has provided us with some objective diagnostic criteria, the actual identification of Meniere's syndrome rests predominantly on clinical criteria. Several of our patients with dysautonomia presented with classical symptoms of Meniere's syndrome. Twenty-five of these patients were treated with increased fluid and sodium intake and flurocortisone. a mineralcorticoid agent. Our favorable results have led us to postulate a heretofore unrecognized etiology for Meniere's syndrome, and speculate on some of the previously reported responses of Meniere's syndrome to corticosteroid treatment.

Key Words:

• dysautonomia
• dizziness
• Meniere's disease