**Introducton**

Currently, there is no universally accepted theory about the pathophysiology of do-ence. Through histopathological studies, it is presumed that endolymphatic hydrops is the most descriptive pathological characteristic of Ménière's disease. The pathophysiology of the symptoms is still disputed: ruptures of membranes, increased pressure and mechanical dis‐ placement of the peripheral organs as the saccule by endolymph accumulation, viral infec‐ tions, and autoimmune disease in addition to several other theories that have already been reported. It can be seen that in this scheme currently accepted endolymphatic hydrops is no longer a central etiology but rather as one of the manifestations of the syndrome. And the exact mechanism of the etiopathogenesis of the syndrome remains unknown. It is believed that a multifactorial inheritance is the best response, in which the necessary conditions are met to lead to malabsorption of the endolymph and, subsequently, to dropsy. Clinical and

**Dr. Fayez Bahmad Jr**

Brasilia, Brazil

Health Science Faculty of the University of Brasilia

The Brasiliense Institute of Otolaryngology

laboratory evidence supports this concept.

VIII Preface
