Abstract:
BACKGROUND : To explore and characterize balance problems in subjects with Ménière’s
disease (MD). METHODS : A total of 539 people with MD with a mean age of 61.9 years, mean disease
history of 15.6 years, and 79.5% females were recruited. The online questionnaire, consisting of
39 questions, including both structured and open-ended questions, focused on symptoms of MD,
balance problems, impacts of the complaints, and quality of life (QoL). RESULTS : After hearing loss
(58%) and tinnitus (50%), balance problems (44%) were among the most commonly reported MD
complaints, even higher than the impact of vertigo (40%). However, only 22% reported that those
balance problems made obvious impacts in their daily lives. The most common balance problem
that significantly reduced QoL was tripping (34%). Swaying (25%) had a limited impact on QoL,
whereas rocking (10%) was less common but caused a significant impact on QoL. Non-defined balance
problems were reported at 18%; these were occasional and correlated with vertigo attacks. Older
participants had more frequent tripping problems. Younger participants more frequently reported
swaying and rocking. CONCLUSIONS : Risk factors predicting poor postural control were mostly related
to complaints reflecting otolith pathology. Different types of postural problems require different
strategies to manage balance control and cope with the disease.
