For the purpose of improving the repeated attacks of vertigo, Isosorbide as an oral hyperosmotic diuretic was first administered to 14 patients with MENIERE's disease from November 1979 to December 1980 for reducing endolymphatic hydrops. The electrocochleographic examinations were also carried out on these patients.
In 10 patients who experienced relief, attack of vertigo did not occur in 8 (57 %) and vertigo was relieved in 2 (14 %). Among 4 patients who experienced hearing improvement, 2 patients with long term administration showed hearing impreovement during the period of treatment and electrocochleographic examinations showed a decrease in the SP/AP wave form. In 2 patients with short administration, hearing loss was temporarily observed in low and middle frequencies; the hearing loss later improved more than before treatment, but the SP/AP wave abnormality was observed even after treatment in these patients. In only 1 patient, aggravation of hearing was observed after administration, although it has to be decided in the future whether it was a side effect. The observation period of these results was 6.7 months on the average.
The results of Isosorbide therapy in patients with MENIERE's disease seemed epochmaking. In future, this therapy might replace sacculus surgery.
