Sleep Disorders and Their Impact on Patients With Ménière's Disease

Ménière's disease was first described by Prosper Ménière in 1861 as a balance disorder originating in the inner ear. It is diagnosed based on a characteristic clinical triad of low-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo attacks. The underlying cause is thought to be a pressure imbalance in the inner ear between the endolymphatic and perilymphatic sectors. The prevalence of Ménière's disease ranges from 34 to 190 per 100,000 inhabitants. The physiology of Ménière's disease is not yet fully understood. It appears that sleep disorders may be related. In its 2016 report on Ménière's disease, the French Society of Otolaryngology (SÖL) recommends sleep studies for patients with Ménière's disease. However, these recommendations are based on few studies, which is why we wanted to conduct this research. The main hypothesis is the existence of a link between debilitating vertigo and sleep disturbances in patients with Ménière's disease. In cases of more significant sleep disturbances in patients with debilitating Ménière's disease, it is important to focus more thoroughly on these disturbances during ENT consultations, which are an integral part of effective multidisciplinary care.