Meniere's Disease

Meniere’s Disease

What is Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is a violation of the structure of the labyrinth of the inner ear. This anomaly causes dizziness, tinnitus and hearing loss. The labyrinth is a system of channels and cavities of the inner ear, which plays an important role in the formation of a hearing, balance and eye movements.

Causes of Meniere's disease

Causes of Meniere's disease is unknown, but, believed, it is a combination of various factors. Possible causes of Meniere's disease include:

• Trauma of any part of the maze, whereby the mixing of the liquid, located in its various departments;
• Scar tissue, which can lead to blockage in the labyrinth;
• Injuries of the inner ear.

Risk factors for Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is more common in adults 20-60 years. Other factors, which can increase the risk of Meniere's disease:

• Family history of Meniere's disease;
• Viral infection;
• Autoimmune disorders;
• Changes in atmospheric pressure;
• Stress;
• Hormonal disorders;
• Allergy;
• Some medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs;
• Excess salt in the diet;
• Izishny noise.

The symptoms of Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease can cause symptoms, manifest themselves from time to time, suddenly. Usually, they are associated with only one ear, but can affect both. The symptoms of Meniere's disease include:

• Episodes of vertigo, sense of rotation for a stay in a state of immobility. Dizziness may be accompanied by:
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Sweating;
  • Pale skin;
  • Weakness or fatigue;
  • In some cases – headache or diarrhea;
• Fluctuating hearing loss;
• Tinnitus – in one or both;
• Feeling pressure in the ear;
• A poorly developed sense of balance;
• The trend toward worsening of symptoms while driving.

Diagnosis of Meniere's disease

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. It will include an examination of the ears and neurological tests, to evaluate the possible nerve damage.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests;
• Hearing Test;
• Elektronistagmogramma – to determine the abnormal eye movements;
• Auditory brainstem evoked potentials;
• Elektrokohleogramma – to check the function of the hearing organ in the inner ear;
• MRT – to examine the internal structure of the ear.

Treatment of Meniere's disease

There is no method for treatment of Meniere's disease. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Options for treatment of Meniere's disease may include the following:

Diet and lifestyle changes in Meniere's disease

Changes in diet include:

• Avoid foods high in salt and high in sugar;
• Avoid caffeine;
• Drink plenty of fluids;
• Reduce alcohol consumption.

Lifestyle changes include:

• Bed rest during acute attacks of vertigo;
• Prompt replenishment of lost fluids;
• Minimizing stress;
• Avoiding drugs, that, expected, cause symptoms;
• If necessary, the use of the hearing aid;
• It is necessary to limit the impact of noise, causes symptoms;
• If you smoke, try to quit;
• Observe safety measures, to avoid falls.

Vestibular rehabilitation in Meniere's disease

Your doctor may suggest exercises to normalize the vestibular apparatus. These exercises use the change position of the eyes, head and body movements, to get rid of vertigo.

Therapy for Meniere's disease

Classes with a therapist or participation in a support group can help cope with the symptoms of Meniere's disease.

Medications for the treatment of Meniere's disease

Your doctor may recommend:

• Medications for the treatment of vertigo;
• Antiemetics to control nausea;
• Medicines, to help improve hearing, remove the swelling inside the ear, or limit the symptoms of the various:
• Antihistamines;
• Diuretic;
• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication;
• Cortisone drugs – for a short period of time.
• Aminoglycosides affect processes in the inner ear, responsible for balance;
• Attention: High doses of aminoglycosides have a toxic effect on hearing.

The operation for the treatment of Meniere's disease

Ask the doctor, bring any benefit Meniett device. This device using low-frequency pulses maintain desired pressure in the middle ear;

Surgical procedures for the treatment of Meniere's disease is not always helpful, and include:

• Decompression of the endolymphatic sac – removing part of the bone to the inner ear and placing it tube for drainage of excess fluid;
• Laʙirintektomija – destruction or removal of the inner ear, which controls balance and hearing;
• Excision of the vestibular nerve.

Prevention Meniere's disease

There is no way to prevent Meniere's disease. But, to help reduce the risk of disease, avoid the following risk factors:

• Foods high in salt and sugar;
• Fanfare;
• Excess alcohol;
• Stress;
• Smoking Area;
• Avoid drugs, that may be toxic to the ear.