About this Research Topic
The fundamental symptoms of Meniere's disease manifest as recurrent episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear), a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear (aural fullness), and fluctuating hearing loss that involves low and medium frequencies and might eventually become permanent. These episodes could last from 20 minutes to several hours, with varying intensity between individuals. During these spells, the sufferer might also experience a decrease in hearing, as well as nausea and sweating.
The complex physiological changes that initiate Meniere's disease are still not entirely understood. However, it is generally believed to be caused by a dysfunction in the volume regulation of the endolymphatic fluid within the inner ear, despite the particular triggers remaining unidentified.
The diagnosis of Meniere's disease is a challenging process given its similarity to other vestibular disorders. It is typically based on detailed clinical history, a comprehensive hearing test (audiometry), and balance function tests. Imaging studies like MRI may be used to rule out other possible conditions that may mimic Meniere's disease.
Management of Meniere's disease is tailored to each patient, focusing primarily upon relief from the debilitating vertigo and preserving hearing. It includes lifestyle alterations like limits on sodium intake, medications to control vertigo, injections into the ear, and physiotherapy. Surgical interventions may be considered in more severe or refractory cases.
This Research Topic aims to address ongoing research regarding the cause of Meniere’s Disease as well as new treatment strategies to enable a better understanding of the complexities of this disorder, thereby offering a more optimistic outlook for those diagnosed with the condition.
This Research Topic welcomes any types of manuscripts supported by Frontiers in Neurology, pertaining but not limited to the following themes:
• Diagnostic value of vestibular tests in Meniere’s Disease
• Diagnostic value of electrocochleography Meniere’s Disease
• Pathogenesis of Meniere’s Disease
• Genetic diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease
• How can we differentiate Meniere’s Disease from Vestibular Migraine
• The use of Betahistin and other therapeutic choices in Meniere’s Disease
• Intratympanic steroid Injections in Meniere’s Disease
• Effects of (surgical) therapy on MR evaluated hydrops
• Treatment related correlations with radiological findings
• Technical improvements in hydrops imaging
• Role of imaging in clinical probable Meniere’s disease/ overlap with vestibular migraine
Keywords: Meniere’s Disease, Inner ear, Vertigo, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Aural fullness, Balance disorders, Vestibular system, Endolymphatic hydrops
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.