Decades after it was first described, the pathophysiology of Ménière’s disease is still a subject for research and discussion, with several controversies regarding its management. Several factors have been reported to cause Ménière’s disease including viral infections, allergies, genetic factors, and altered intra-labyrinthine fluid dynamics. The authors performed a systematic review to predict the risk factors for Ménière’s disease (MD). They identified 25 studies from 768 abstracts and articles. They identified age, sex, and sleep disorders as subgroups. Of these, the authors concluded that only middle age and sleep disorders were risk factors for MD, with little evidence for sex as a risk factor. Although heredity plays a role, studies have not yet accurately mapped the HLA gene responsible for MD. Genetics and hypothyroidism were not conclusive as risk factors. This systematic review has its limitations as only a small number of studies could be included due to paucity of solid evidence. More research is needed to associate MD with vestibular migraine or other risk factors definitively.
Age and sleep disorders as risk factors for Ménière’s disease
Reviewed by Gauri Mankekar
Risk factors for Meniere disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
CONTRIBUTOR
Gauri Mankekar
Department of Otolaryngology-Head Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Louisiana, USA.
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