Novel techniques for the diagnosis of Ménière's disease.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will consider the newly developed and emerging diagnostic techniques with real or potential clinical application to the diagnosis of Ménière's disease.

RECENT FINDINGS: Several new diagnostic modalities have been introduced, which have the potential to help diagnose endolymphatic hydrops. These include cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedures, and three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI following intratympanic instillation of gadolinium.

SUMMARY: Diagnosis of Ménière's disease has classically been of a clinical rather than a procedural nature. Despite the many recent advances in diagnostic testing which show potential applicability for aiding in diagnosis of Ménière's disease, each has limitations which prevent immediate utility. For now, Ménière's disease remains best diagnosed through the standard American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery clinical inclusionary and exclusionary criteria.