Is is true that Ménières disease tends to “burn” itself out. Does something change that tends to stop the vertigo attacks from happening as often?
In patients who chose not to undergo surgical treatments, it was found that over 50% reported complete control of vertigo at two years after the onset of symptoms. 71% of these patients reported complete control of vertigo after 8 years. Thus, it is true that for some patients the attacks of vertigo will subside with time. The term “burn-out” is appropriate as this reduction in vertigo is not due to a recovery of the balance system. Rather it is because the balance portion of the inner ear becomes irreversibly damaged, so that it no longer functions. This “natural” time course of events makes the evaluation of clinical treatments extremely difficult. The estimated benefit of any given procedure or treatment must take into account the likely decline of vertigo with time. Also be aware that the above data are “average” figures and there is considerable variation from patient to patient. Some patients may continue to have vertigo attacks for 20 years or more.
