Ménière's disease is a complex disorder of the inner ear, characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo, progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The pathophysiology of this condition is dominated by endolymphatic hydrops, reflecting imbalances in fluid regulation and pressure within the membranous labyrinth, which impair cellular function and the transmission of vestibular and auditory signals....
This narrative review consolidates current mechanistic knowledge on Ménière's disease but does not provide new clinical trial evidence; no immediate change to diagnostic or treatment protocols is warranted.
A clearer mechanistic picture of Ménière's disease's non-genetic drivers could eventually support targeted, personalised treatment strategies for a condition that remains difficult to manage.
- 01Narrative review of non-genetic contributors to Ménière's disease including immune, vascular, and environmental factors.
- 02Endolymphatic hydrops (excess inner-ear fluid) remains central to current mechanistic models.
- 03Identifies multiple overlapping pathways suggesting Ménière's disease may be a syndrome rather than a single entity.
- 04Reviews potential therapeutic targets arising from mechanistic insights.
- 05Evidence base is largely observational and mechanistic; high-quality RCT data remain sparse.
Ménière's disease may represent a syndrome with multiple overlapping aetiologies rather than a single disease entity.
opinionpartially supportedNon-genetic factors such as immune dysfunction and vascular abnormalities contribute to Ménière's disease pathogenesis.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42193457
- DOI
- 10.3390/biomedicines14051132.
- Journal
- Biomedicines
- Publication type
- narrative_review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Not applicable — narrative review of literature on Ménière's disease
- Intervention
- Non-genetic factors in Ménière's disease pathogenesis
Primary outcomes
Mechanisms underlying Ménière's disease; Role of non-genetic factors in disease development