Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that affects both balance and hearing. This condition is not very frequent but can greatly affect the quality of life because of the variability of the symptoms. It is characterized by sudden episodes of vertigo, hearing impairment, and tinnitus. Based on one of the studies, it has been found that this condition usually troubles only one ear, however in 15 to 25% of the people affected from this inner ear disorder, both ears may have an impact on.
What is Meniere’s Disease?
Meniere’s disease definition is derived from the name of the French physician, Prosper Ménière, who first identified the condition in 1861. It is a disorder of the inner ear, which affects the fluid balance in a structure of the inner ear known as the labyrinth. Labyrinth is formed with the semicircular canals that are involved in balance and the cochlea for hearing. When this fluid, called the endolymph, accumulates in large amounts in the labyrinth, it causes the symptoms of this disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 430 million individuals worldwide suffer from debilitating hearing loss, and by 2050, this figure will rise to over 700 million.
Meniere’s Disease Causes
The specific causes of the disease have not yet been researched in detail, but some conditions that may lead to it are known. It is thought that the build-up of fluid in the inner ear is the main cause, although it is not known what causes this. It’s usually a combination of factors; Some potential causes of the build-up of endolymph may include:
- Genetics: The risk of developing Meniere’s syndrome may be higher if other members of your family have had the condition.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Some auto-immune diseases could cause the immune system to turn on the cochlea or the vestibular system.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions may also play a role in fluid build-up in the ear.
- Infections: Upper respiratory tract infections including viral infections could be associated.
- Trauma or Injury: The condition may be caused by physical injury to the head or ear.
- Migraine Headaches: Migraine mimics the symptomatic profile of Meniere’s disease and is possibly linked with disruptions in the inner ear.
Meniere’s Disease Symptoms
Understanding the key signs can help in early recognition and better management of this condition. The Meniere’s disease symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity but typically include:
Vertigo
This sudden feeling of spinning or dizziness is one of the major symptoms. The episodes of vertigo may range from several minutes to several hours and may be severe, with nausea and vomiting.
Hearing Loss
Another sign that is often associated with this disease is hearing loss that is not constant but varies. Eventually, most patients with the condition develop a progressive, irreversible hearing loss in the affected ear.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, which is characterized by ringing, buzzing or roaring in the ear, is also a feature of Meniere’s syndrome. This sound may be of varying loudness and may be worse during vertigo attacks.
Fullness in the Ear
Patients with this disease usually complain of a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear that is affected, like water in the ear.
According to NIH, Patients with a definite Meniere disease have two or more spontaneous episodes of vertigo lasting from 20 minutes to 12 hours.
Meniere’s Disease Diagnosis
Meniere’s disease diagnosis is usually reached after a detailed analysis of the patient’s history, thorough physical examination and certain tests. There is no single test to definitively diagnose it but several methods can help confirm it, including:
- Audiometry (Hearing Tests): This test evaluates the hearing capacity and is used to diagnose hearing loss.
- Balance Tests: Tests of balance lose their significance if it affects the inner ear, therefore, electronystagmography or rotary chair testing may be necessary.
- Imaging: Sometimes doctors may require MRI or CT scans to rule out other possibilities of the symptoms like tumors or ear or brain structures problems.
Meniere’s Disease Treatment
Currently, there is no known cure for this disease but there are ways of controlling its signs and thus improving the patient’s situation. The major treatment of this ear condition is centered on the control of vertigo, the preservation of hearing, and reduction of the endolymphatic fluid accumulation. Some common treatment methods include:
Medications
This ear condition is best treated by avoiding exposure to triggers, and taking oral medications like diuretics to prevent episodes of vertigo. Sometimes the doctor may recommend drugs to help manage nausea and vomiting during an attack.
Dietary Changes
Limiting dietary salt intake to 1,500-2,000 mg per day and taking a diuretic (“water pill”) may help alleviate its symptoms.
Injections
In more severe cases, doctors may give injections into the ear to help with vertigo. These injections usually consisted of steroids or antibiotics.
Surgery
Surgery is only recommended on the rarest of occasions, for vertigo patients when other forms of treatment have failed to work.
Conclusion
Meniere’s disease is an inner eye disorder that may cause acute dizziness (vertigo), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), loss of hearing, and a feeling of congestion in the ear. This condition can be a difficult problem because of the variability of the symptoms and the absence of a cure. However, one should pay attention to the symptoms that have already been provided above for your reference and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
