Treatment of Menière's Disease with Hydrochloro-Thiazide

Abstract

Hydrochlorothiazide, which is a diuretic, can be thought to reduce the intra-labyrinthine pressure. Fifty-seven cases with Menière's disease of varying duration have been treated. The classical triad of symptoms together with recruitment in the Békésy audiogram were present in every case. The treatment was given as a course of two to three weeks, which was repeated following further attacks. The average observation time was six months.

The hearing results show a clear relation to the length of disease. In 31 cases with length of disease less than two years, hearing improvement was noted in 57 %, while in 26 cases with length of disease more than two years hearing improvement was only obtained in 27 %. In 75 % of cases diminution of or freedom from giddiness was noted.

Treatment can cut short attacks of vertigo if it is begun during the prever-tiginous aura. In no case did hearing loss increase during the observation time, which we think shows that the sensory epithelium in the inner ear is preserved from further damage. We consider this to be the most important observation in this investigation and it indicates that hydrochlorothiazide has a beneficial effect in Menière's disease.