Bilateral electrocochleographic findings in unilateral Menière's disease.

Abstract

At present, electrocochleography is the only proven investigation that can demonstrate objectively the presence of endolymphatic hydrops. The electrophysiologic recordings in response to sound stimuli show an enhancement of the negative summating potential in these cases. It is well established that patients with unilateral Meniere's disease have a high likelihood of development of the disease bilaterally in the fullness of time. Using transtympanic electrocochleography in 40 patients who manifested unilateral clinical Meniere's disease, we have recorded bilateral abnormalities indicative of endolymphatic hydrops in 35% of cases. The early recognition of incipient Meniere's disease in the asymptomatic contralateral ear of a patient with known unilateral disease has obvious profound implications for patient management.