Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat Associates enrolling patients in Meniere’s disease clinical trial


"Dr. Kenneth S. Maxwell at Piedmont Ear Nose and Throat Associates (PENTA), and his team are among 50 specialists in the United States participating in a clinical trial to evaluate an investigational drug treatment for Ménière’s disease.


Ménière's is an inner ear disorder that affects approximately 600,000 people in the United States. It is a disabling disorder resulting in repeated violent attacks of dizziness, ringing in the ear [Tinnitus] and hearing loss that can last for hours and can ultimately cause permanent deafness in the affected ear. It is likened to stepping off a merry-go-round and the disorienting spinning sensation that causes one to be off balance and nauseous. However, unlike the effects of the merry-go-round that lasts only minutes, Ménière’s Disease episodes can last for days. As a result, people with Ménière’s Disease are often unable to work, drive, interact with family or enjoy life.  Furthermore, since these episodes are unpredictable, anxiety and loss of confidence or independence often ensue.

“Our center has a well-deserved reputation for clinical research and a deep and long-standing commitment to advancing treatments for Ménière's disease," said Dr. Maxwell, lead principal investigator at PENTA for the clinical trial. "This study will enable us to provide our patients with an opportunity to contribute to the potential development of an important new treatment for Ménière's disease and hopefully control their disease.”

Ménière's disease is a debilitating disorder. It significantly impacts a patient’s quality of life. Unfortunately, there are very few treatment options currently available and more are needed,” added Dr. Maxwell. “Studying new drug treatments designed specifically for this inner ear disorder is essential. Only through clinical trials can we advance new treatment options and provide hope for patients suffering from this terrible condition.”

In a previous study involving a small group of Ménière’s Disease patients, the treatment, called OTO-104, appeared to show a reduction in vertigo frequency and improvement in tinnitus. Additionally, OTO-104 was considered to be safe and well tolerated. Dr. Kenneth Maxwell was selected to participate in the clinical trial for his expertise in treating patients with Ménière's disease for more than 20 years.
Patients interested in the clinical trial can visit www.menieresdiseasestudy.com/80 to see if they qualify or email info@menieresdiseasestudy.com for more information. Additionally more information is available on the ‘Ménière's Disease Team’ Facebook page at www.facebook.com/menieresdisease

About Kenneth S. Maxwell, MD

Dr. Kenneth Maxwell is an ENT-otolaryngologist in Winston Salem, North Carolina and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Forsyth Medical Center and Medical Park Hospital. He received his medical degree from University of North Carolina School of Medicine and has been in practice for 25 years. He is one of 12 doctors at Forsyth Medical Center and one of 10 at Medical Park Hospital who specialize in Otolaryngology and Neurotology.

Neurotology or neuro-otology is a branch of clinical medicine which studies and treats neurological disorders of the ear. It is a subspecialty of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, and is closely related to otology.

Otolaryngology (pronounced oh/toe/lair/in/goll/oh/jee) is the oldest medical specialty in the United States. Otolaryngologists are physicians trained in the medical and surgical management and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck.

About Piedmont Ear, Nose & Throat Associates


The physicians of two otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat) groups in Winston-Salem joined together to create Piedmont Ear, Nose & Throat Associates (PENTA), the premier otolaryngology group in the Triad. The merger of Forsyth Head & Neck Associates and Salem Ear, Nose & Throat Associates took 15 years ago [ July 1999]. All of PENTA's physicians are board certified by the Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. PENTA has four locations to serve its patients:  Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons and Mount Airy, North Carolina. More information can be obtained at: www.piedmontent.com"
A Press Release

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