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Meniere's Disease
Definition:
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the labyrinth in the inner ear. The labyrinth is a system of cavities and canals in the inner ear that affects hearing, balance, and eye movement.
Causes:
An increase in the volume or pressure of fluid in the labyrinth can result in Meniere's disease. The cause of these fluid changes is unknown. Possible causes may include:
- Part of the labyrinth ruptures, allowing fluid in different compartments to mix
- Scar tissue causes a blockage in the labyrinth
- Inner ear injury due to:
- Viral infection
- Syphilis, a type of sexually transmitted disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Blood vessel problems
- High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
- Hormonal disorders
- Medications, such as antibiotics and chemotheraypy agents
Risk Factors:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for Meniere's disease include:
- Age: 20-60
- Race: Caucasian
- Stress
- Allergies
- Excess salt in the diet
- Excess noise
Symptoms:
The intensity of symptoms can vary from one person to another. Symptoms usually come on suddenly. They typically involve only one ear, but may involve both.
Symptoms may include:
- Episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation), often accompanied by:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Paleness of the skin
- Weakness or falling
- In some cases, headache or diarrhea
- Hearing loss may worsen during attacks of vertigo
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Poor sense of balance
- A tendency for symptoms to worsen with movement
Diagnosis:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. This will include an examination of your ears.
Tests may include:
- Blood tests–to check for an underlying cause
- Hearing test–this is also called an audiometry
- Electronystagmogram–a type of eye movement test
- Auditory Brainstem Response–measures electrical activity in the hearing nerve and brain stem
- Electrocochleogram–measures electrical response of the inner ear to sound
- MRI Scan–a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the ear
Treatment:
Treatment may include:
Dietary and Lifestyle Changes
These may help limit Symptoms:
- Bed rest during acute attacks of vertigo.
- Avoid foods that are high in salt and high in sugar.
- Drink adequate fluids.
- Promptly begin replacing fluids lost to heat or exercise.
- Avoid caffeine, aspirin, and smoking.
- Minimize stress.
- Avoid medications that seem to bring on or worsen symptoms.
- Consider a hearing aid, if necessary.
- Consider masking devices (white noise) to limit the effects of tinnitus.
- Take safety measures to avoid falling.
- Consider getting exercise therapy to rehabilitate the inner ear.
- Chocolate restriction.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
Medications
Medications include:
- Drugs to treat vertigo, such as meclizine or scopolamine
- Antiemetics–medications to help control nausea
- Other medications that may improve hearing, control inner ear swelling, or limit overall symptoms, including:
- Antihistamines
- Cortisone drugs for a short time
- Antidepressants or antianxiety medications
- Diuretics
- Aminoglycoside therapy (such as streptomycin or gentamycin) to permanently destroy the part of the inner ear that deals with balance
Surgery
Surgical procedures include:
- Endolymphatic sac decompression–removal of a portion of inner ear bone and placing a tube in the inner ear to drain excess fluid
- Labyrinthectomy–destruction or removal of the entire inner ear, which controls balance and hearing
- Vestibular nerve section
Prevention:
There are no specific guidelines for preventing Meniere's disease. However, to help reduce your risk, avoid the following Risk Factors:
- High-salt diet
- High-sugar diet
- Excess noise
- Excess alcohol
- Stress
- Smoking
- Use of drugs that can be toxic to the ear such aminoglycosides, aspirin, and quinine
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| Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. |
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