Morphological and functional structure of the inner ear: Its relation to Ménière's disease

Ménière's disease is a disabling disorder presenting with crises of aural fullness, tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo. The hallmark of the pathology is a labyrinthine hydrops, but its pathogenesis remains unclear. This unknown aetiology explains the lack of a good pharmacological treatment. Here, we wish to evaluate the different parameters that can be involved in the progression of the disease, focusing on vascular disorders, production of reactive oxygen species and the relationship between the endolymph and haematic perfusion. We know that the blood supply must be adequate to guarantee the establishment of the endocochlear potential and the production of endolymph, so aberrant microcirculation may be an aetiological factor for Méniè re's disease. © 2012 Informa Healthcare.