Drop attacks and vertical vertigo after transtympanic gentamicin: diagnosis and management

Drop attacks represent a significant problem during the natural course of Meniere's disease. They are characterized by a sudden fall to the ground without loss of consciousness. Diagnosis is clinical and based on the typical description of the patient. Involvement of vertical canal is possible during Meniere's disease and also after gentamicin application. Treatment of drop attacks is still a matter of discussion; most cases have a benign course with spontaneous remission and no treatment is necessary. In severe cases, aggressive treatment (surgical or pharmacological) is necessary. A case of drop attack associated with vertical vertigo is presented. Vestibular tests were performed in order to assess the involvement of inner ear. Caloric test and ice water test reveal no response. Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials are present even after high doses of gentamicin. Drop attacks and vertical vertigo can occur after transtympanic gentamicin and can be well managed with high doses of local gentamicin.