Genetics of vestibulopathies.

This review focuses on recent advances in the genetics of familial vestibular disorders including benign recurrent vertigo, bilateral vestibulopathy, and familial Meniere's disease. To date, no genetic causes have been identified in these vestibular conditions. This limited progress has been attributed to the subtle phenotypes, requirement for sophisticated vestibular testing, likely complex nature of these conditions, lack of animal models and reliance on patient history with a paucity of objective diagnostic criteria. Studying vestibular disorders in carefully characterized multiplex families will provide us genetic clues to expand our knowledge of vestibular development, degeneration, structure and function to help us improve the diagnosis and develop effective treatment of vestibulopathies.