[Medical treatment in Menière's disease (author's transl)]

Abstract

They are different methods of medical treatment in Menière's disease. 1. The dehydration of the hydrops by diet, diuretics, hypertonic solutions and glycerol. 2. Improvement of the blood supply by carbon dioxide, by myotropic and neurotropic vasodilators or by decreasing the blood viscosity and by medical or surgical paralysis of the sympathetic nerve. The optimistic results seen by acupuncture or neural therapy are not confirmed. - Experimental and double blind studies with betahistin (vasomotal) showed a significant effect in improving the blood circulation of the inner ear and the symptoms of Menière's disease. 3. Sedatives especially neuroleptics and tranquilizers were successful only by suppressing the symptoms, but are not a causal treatment. The same mechanism is supposed for procain and lidocain. 4. Partial destruction of the inner ear has been produced by local application of anesthetics or ototoxic antibiotics. These methods succeed in relieving vertigo and save the hearing in most cases.