Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s Disease
It is defined as the disease of inner ear which can cause dizziness and hearing loss. It can usually occur unilaterally. Meniere’s disease affect people of any age.
Symptoms
Below mention are the signs and symptoms of Meniere’s disease:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Feeling of fullness
- Vertigo
- Hearing loss
Causes
The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is still unknown but it may be assumed that any abnormality in the endolymph can cause this disease, following factors affect the endolymph:
- Blockage in drainage of fluid
- Viral infection
- Abnormal immune response
- Genetic predisposition
Complications
Complications occur due to the recurrent and unpredictable episodes of vertigo which may increase the risk of falls and accident. This situation interrupt in the daily routine of life.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic tests include:
- Hearing assessment by audiometry
- Balance assessment by rotary-chair test and posturography
- Blood test
- Imaging test like CT scan and x-rays
Treatment
There is no permanent cure for Meniere’s disease exist although there is option to reduce the signs and symptoms which includes:
- Medications to treat the nausea
- Medicines to reduce the motion sickness
- Positive pressure therapy to reduce the fluid in middle ear which builup the pressure
- Hearing aid for hearing loss