Decision making for solitary vestibular schwannoma and contralateral Meniere's disease

The existence of dual inner ear pathology such as unilateral Meniere's disease ( MD) with a contralateral vestibular schwannoma ( VS) is very rare, but provides the otologist with a significant management dilemma. In this study, we present 5 cases of unilateral disabling MD with a contralateral VS in the better hearing ear. Conservative management of the VS is mandated unless there are impending complications, with management directed toward controlling the vertigo attributed to MD. If and when the VS requires intervention, or the hearing in that ear deteriorates to unserviceable levels, cochlear implant of the ear affected by MD prior to addressing the VS provides optimal management. Copyright (C) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.