Electrocochleographic changes after intranasal allergen challenge: A possible diagnostic tool in patients with Meniere's disease

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999 Sep;121(3):283-4. doi: 10.1016/S0194-5998(99)70186-5.

Abstract

Numerous observers have suggested a relationship between allergy and Meniere's disease, but objective proof has heretofore been limited. Using standard criteria, we studied a group of 7 patients with previously diagnosed Meniere's disease in whom significant allergy to 1 or more inhalants had also been diagnosed. Patients underwent a baseline electrocochleographic study followed by intranasal challenge with a carefully quantified amount of the allergen to which they were most sensitive. This was followed by a second electrocochleogram. Four of the 7 patients demonstrated at least a 15% increase in the summating potential/action potential ratio in 1 ear, associated with the production of subjective inner ear symptoms. We present this protocol as a potentially useful tool to further study whether inhalant allergy may be a causative factor in patients with Meniere's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Allergens / administration & dosage*
  • Audiometry, Evoked Response*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meniere Disease / diagnosis*
  • Meniere Disease / etiology
  • Meniere Disease / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Radioallergosorbent Test
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology

Substances

  • Allergens