Lermoyez syndrome is an infrequent disease of the auditory and vestibular system. It is likely to be caused by endolymphatic hydrops, and is defined by attacks of vertigo, together with tinnitus, aural fullness, and fluctuating hearing loss, followed by temporary hearing improvement. Surgery is considered for cases with frequent, severe episodes.
Presentation
Lermoyez syndrome (LS) is generally regarded as a version of Meniere’s disease (MD), but this classification is not completely accepted and is under investigation. MD first reported in 1861 by Meniere, is usually referred to as idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops; the latter is due to increased pressure in the endolymph of the inner ear and can cause attacks of vertigo, tinnitus, and aural fullness, and result in hearing loss. Nausea and emesis also accompany the attacks. MD has several variants apart from the classic form; it can manifest without vertigo, or without hearing loss, or it can appear as Tumarkin otolithic catastrophe [1]. LS is characterized by essentially the same symptoms as MD (and therefore is likely to be a variant of it), but with one striking difference: a temporary improvement in hearing ensues at the time of the vertigo attacks [2].
LS is a very rare medical entity, and consequently, the number of in-depth descriptions of the disease is small [3]. In a study, which examined 12 patients with LS, some had hearing alterations without vertigo, while others had vertigo without alterations in hearing, indicating a similarity in the origin of LS and MD [3] [4]. Another report on a patient with bilateral LS also came to the conclusion that endolymphatic hydrops was the source of the problem, based on electrocochleography measurements [5], although dissenting opinions have been voiced [6]
The attack may last for hours, with both the improvement in hearing in low frequencies during the episode and the deterioration of hearing occurring before the next attack lasting from days to months [4]. The improvement in hearing can occur during or more commonly within a few hours following the attack [4]. Hearing loss may be fast at the initial stages and slow down later [3]. However, attacks of vertigo may increase in frequency as the disease progresses, as in the case of a patient with stabilized MD in one ear, and newly developed LS in the other [3].
Entire Body System
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Developmental Disabilities
Seite 98 - developmental disability" means a severe, chronic disability of a person which — (A) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental and physical impairments; (B) is manifested before the person attains age... [books.google.de]
Gastrointestinal
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Failure to Thrive
Fred Ferri’s popular "5 books in 1" format provides quick guidance on menorrhagia, Failure to Thrive (FTT), Cogan’s syndrome, and much more. [books.google.de]
Skin
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Macula
A sudden pressure increase in the saccule induces an abrupt change of the macula nerve action potential, lowering the threshold of nystagmus and dizziness and leading to an episode of vertigo. [jstage.jst.go.jp]
Uzun-Coruhlu H, Curthoys IS, Jones AS (2007) Attachment of the utricular and saccular maculae to the temporal bone. Hear Res 233:77–85 PubMed CrossRef Google Scholar 17. [link.springer.com]
All of the above dislodge the otoconia from the macula utriculae, & these gravitate to the most dependant part of the labyrinth, the ampulla of the posterior semi-circular canal. [drabrdesai.com]
Psychiatrical
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Impulsivity
Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7 years. C. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (eg... [books.google.de]
These include evaluation of utricular and saccular function by determination of ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and assessment of the vestibulo-ocular response by using the video head impulse test. [symptoma.com]
Other testing including rotational chair, video head impulse test (vHIT), cervical and ocular VEMPs were considered to be within normal limits. [hearinghealthmatters.org]
MacDougall HG, Weber KP, McGarvie LA, Halmagyi GM, Curthoys IS (2009) The video head impulse test: diagnostic accuracy in peripheral vestibulopathy. Neurology 73:1134–1141 PubMed CrossRef Google Scholar 12. [link.springer.com]
These delicate hair cells transmit nerve impulses (via the eighth cranial nerve [vestibulocochlear nerve]) that result in the interpretation of sound and the maintenance of balance. [rarediseases.org]
Neurologic
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Vertigo
In a study, which examined 12 patients with LS, some had hearing alterations without vertigo, while others had vertigo without alterations in hearing, indicating a similarity in the origin of LS and MD. [symptoma.com]
[…] and additional synonyms H81.39 Other peripheral vertigo Synonyms: Lermoyez' syndrome Otogenic vertigo Peripheral vertigo NOS Subcategories: H81.391 Other peripheral vertigo, right ear H81.392 Other peripheral vertigo, left ear H81.393 Other peripheral [averbis.com]
[…] by hearing improvement that accompanies an acute attack of vertigo. patients experience abrupt and brief attacks such that they find themselves thrown to the ground with no warning and with little or no vertigo after the initial fall. [xuqsrpbx.cf]
This monograph on vertigo is based on the personal, hands-on, practical and clinical experience of managing vertigo in a large university-affiliated hospital. [books.google.de]
Almost every one of the 12 patients showed, besides the Lermoyez attacks, also hearing fluctuations without vertigo, and vertigo without hearing fluctuations. [unboundmedicine.com]
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Dizziness
[…] symmetric during and following an episode of dizziness. [hearinghealthmatters.org]
A sudden pressure increase in the saccule induces an abrupt change of the macula nerve action potential, lowering the threshold of nystagmus and dizziness and leading to an episode of vertigo. [jstage.jst.go.jp]
Lermoyez nasal punch Lermoyez syndrome - increasing deafness interrupted by a sudden attack of dizziness after which the hearing improves. Synonym(s): labyrinthine angiospasm [medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com]
Attacks of dizziness may come on suddenly or after a short period of tinnitus or muffled hearing. Some people have single attacks of dizziness once in a while. Others may have many attacks close together over several days. [icdlist.com]
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Cerebellar Disease
Entries on cerebellar diseases, peripheral neuropathies, various dementias, diagnostic tests (both clinical and laboratory), forms of cerebral edema, dissociative signs and syndromes - all these and many more have been added, expanded, updated or clarified [books.google.de]
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Neglect
The neglected but substantial problem of paediatric vertigo is addressed, as are the many pathologies in the elderly population that can lead to disequilibrium and repeated falls. [books.google.de]
Workup
Laboratory tests are routinely performed to exclude metabolic and hormonal diseases. Specific tests for LS (or for MD) have not yet been found. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging is used for excluding anatomical abnormalities and growths, for example, acoustic neuromas. Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) MRI is capable of quantitative evaluation of endolymphatic hydrops [7].
A number of acoustic exams are available for the evaluation of hearing loss and vertigo. Pure tone audiometry and acoustic impedance determine the hearing threshold and the acoustic reflex threshold; lower frequencies are usually affected more than higher ones, for example in one patient the threshold of hearing was found to increase in the range of 200-2000 hertz (Hz), whereas the values at high frequencies were relatively stable [3]. The glycerol test, which detects an improvement in air-conductive hearing threshold following oral glycerol administration, is characteristic of both MD and LS [1] [3]. Electrocochleography detects the expansion of the basilar membrane by measuring the ratio of the summing potential from the movement of the membrane and the nerve action potential following auditory stimulation. An increased value is often observed in MD and LS [1] [3]. Auditory brainstem response and the caloric test, which forms part of the assessment for vestibular function, are also used [3].
Newer methods are also available for testing dynamic otolith and horizontal semicircular canal function. These include evaluation of utricular and saccular function [8] by determination of ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and assessment of the vestibulo-ocular response by using the video head impulse test [9].
Treatment
This patient is currently under the care of one of the neurotologists at our clinic and is considering utilizing betahistine for treatment. For those unfamiliar with Menieres disease and the so called “treatment ladder”, click here. [hearinghealthmatters.org]
Essentially prophylactic, the treatment is poor and difficult. Read this article (multiple options) Trending Papers [read.qxmd.com]
It covers all aspects of the subject, offering the latest information on epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, diagnostics, the battery of vestibular and allied tests, treatment, rehabilitative management and ethical considerations. [books.google.de]
Observations on the etiology and treatment of Meniere's syndrome. JAMA 1941; 116: 1753–60. Google Scholar Crossref 11. Koskas, HJ, Linthicum, FH, House, WF. Membranous ruptures in Meniere's disease: Existence, location, and incidence. [journals.sagepub.com]
Meniere Disease authorSTREAM ; If Ménière is due to a secondary cause (ie, Ménière syndrome), primary first-line management is the diagnosis and treatment of the primary disease (eg, thyroid disease). [xuqsrpbx.cf]
Prognosis
Prognosis Hydrops is a chronic disease, like diabetes or hypertension. It needs to be treated medically (low sodium diet and diuretic) like other disease processes for many years. [eioftx.com]
Prognosis • Prognosis is variable, since the disease pattern of exacerbation and remission makes evaluation of treatment and prognosis difficult to predict. – In general, Ménière symptoms tend to stabilize spontaneously with time. [slideshare.net]
Etiology
The etiology is also discussed in these cases. We believe that vasospasms is the main etiological factor in producing the sequence of events in Lermoyez's syndrome. [jstage.jst.go.jp]
Middle Aged Syndrome Tinnitus / etiology From MEDLINE /PubMed , a database of the U.S. [biomedsearch.com]
They compare 25 cases of aspirin nasal polyposis with 26 other cases of various etiologies. Other substances than aspirin seem to be charged. The complications are regular with severe asthma and infection. [read.qxmd.com]
Observations on the etiology and treatment of Meniere's syndrome. JAMA 1941; 116: 1753–60. Google Scholar Crossref 11. Koskas, HJ, Linthicum, FH, House, WF. Membranous ruptures in Meniere's disease: Existence, location, and incidence. [journals.sagepub.com]
If allergic etiology: Elimination of allergen Steroids and immunotherapy : For autoimmune cases Other surgeries: Intermittent low pressure pulse therapy (Meniett device therapy). [gradestack.com]
Epidemiology
It covers all aspects of the subject, offering the latest information on epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, diagnostics, the battery of vestibular and allied tests, treatment, rehabilitative management and ethical considerations. [books.google.de]
In the present study we conduct e d epidemiological and neurotological studies of 46 cases with Lermoyez's symptoms. Of these 46 cases,30 showed the typical course of Lermoyez's syndrome. [jstage.jst.go.jp]
Epidemiology of Meniere’s disease? The disease/disorder was firstly identified and characterized in year 1800 by a French doctor named Prosper Meniere. The disorder affects approximately 0.3-0.9 persons per 1000. [diseasedefinition.info]
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology The pathophysiology of Ménière's disease is not clearly understood. [asha.org]
Negative myoclonus: an overview of its clinical features, pathophysiological mechanisms and management. Neurophysiol Clin Neurophysiol 2006:36:337-343 Sheldon JH. On the natural history of falls in old age. [dizziness-and-balance.com]
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 13. DRAINAGE THEORY 14. CLINICAL PRESENTATION 15. [slideshare.net]
Prevention
Rapidly find the answers you need with separate sections on diseases and disorders, differential diagnosis, clinical algorithms, laboratory results, and clinical preventive services, plus an at-a-glance format that uses cross-references, outlines, bullets [books.google.de]
It is due to the presence of a clot which prevents the compressive action of superior constrictor muscle on the blood vessels. [neet.eckovation.com]
Gentamicin prevents the growth of microorganisms and decreases the balancing function of affected ear, so that the other ear can maintain the function. [diseasedefinition.info]
It’s not clear you can do anything to prevent Ménière’s disease. However, there are many things you can do the help manage your symptoms. In addition to eating a low-salt diet, you may want to cut down on alcohol and caffeine. [webmd.com]
References
- Ataman T, Enache A. Our experience with the medical treatment of endolymphatic hydrops. Int Tinnitus J. 2007;13(2):138-142.
- Manzari L, Burgess AM, Curthoys IS. Vestibular function in Lermoyez syndrome at attack. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012 Feb;269(2):685-691.
- Zhang Q, Xu M, Zhang X, Ren T, Anniko M, Duan M. A case of Meniere's disease in the left ear and Lermoyez syndrome in the right ear--a 32-month longitudinal observation and literature review. Acta Otolaryngol. 2010 Sep;130(9):1084-1088.
- Schmidt PH, Schoonhoven R. Lermoyez's syndrome. A follow-up study in 12 patients. Acta Otolaryngol. 1989 May-Jun;107(5-6):467-473.
- Schoonhoven R, Schmidt PH, Eggermont JJ. A longitudinal electrocochleographic study of a case of long-standing bilateral Lermoyez's syndrome. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 1990;247(6):333-339.
- Maier W, Marangos N, Aschendorff A. Lermoyez syndrome--electrocochleographic studies. Laryngorhinootologie. 1996 Jun;75(6):372-376. [German]
- Sepahdari AR, Ishiyama G, Vorasubin N, Peng KA, Linetsky M, Ishiyama A. Delayed intravenous contrast-enhanced 3D FLAIR MRI in Meniere's disease: correlation of quantitative measures of endolymphatic hydrops with hearing. Clin Imaging. 2015. Jan-Feb;39(1):26-31.
- Curthoys IS. A critical review of the neurophysiological evidence underlying clinical vestibular testing using sound, vibration and galvanic stimuli. Clin Neurophysiol. 2010 Feb;121(2):132-144.
- MacDougall HG, Weber KP, McGarvie LA, Halmagyi GM, Curthoys IS. The video head impulse test: diagnostic accuracy in peripheral vestibulopathy. Neurology. 2009 Oct 6;73(14):1134-1141.