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.