Inner Ear Drug Delivery Using Nanoparticles: A Targeted Approach to Treat Vestibular Disorders
Keywords:
Nanoparticles, intratympanic therapy, vestibular dysfunction, vertigo management, inner-ear drug delivery, vHIT; caloric testingAbstract
Background: Disturbances of the vestibular system commonly interfere with balance, stability, and daily activities. Many individuals continue to struggle with symptoms despite standard treatment because most medications fail to reach adequate concentrations within the inner ear. In recent years, nano-based drug carriers have attracted attention for their ability to improve local delivery and prolong drug presence at the target site. The present review examined clinical outcomes in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders who had previously received nanoparticle-assisted intratympanic therapy as part of routine management.
Methodology: Between June 2023 and June 2024, patient files from Luqman international hospital Mingora Swat were reviewed retrospectively for a pre-post review. Records were screened for 62 cases in which a patient had received an intratympanic administration of a nanoparticle formulation. Demographics, length of symptoms, clinical features, audiovestibular findings, and the type of nanoparticle used were included in our data collection. Follow-up and pre-treatment records were assessed against each other to check for changes in vertigo attacks, vestibular tests, Dizziness Handicap Index (DHI), and possible adverse effects.
Results: After treatment, most patients demonstrated a significant reduction in the severity of their vertigo symptoms, experiencing fewer episodes and shorter durations overall. There were also positive nutritional responses, vHIT gains, and decreases in functional disability. Hearing adaptability remained unchanged, and a slight reduction in the severity of tinnitus was observed. Most patients tolerated the treatment well, and only mild, fleeting reactions of discomfort or dizziness were noted.
Conclusion: The overall pattern of findings suggests that nanoparticle-supported intratympanic therapy may offer meaningful clinical benefit for individuals with peripheral vestibular disorders. The combination of symptom relief, functional improvement, and minimal adverse reactions indicates that this approach holds practical therapeutic potential. Additional research with prospective designs may help clarify longer-term outcomes and strengthen the evidence base for its use.
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