What is Meniere’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:



Sensory organs determines a person’s action, behaviour, and the daily activity. Discrepancy in any one of the sense organs may be a big deterrent. 
Meniere's disease (MD) is named after the French Physician, Prosper Meniere. He discovered the disease in 1860. It is a condition of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, a type of dizziness that a person can experience while spinning.

What Causes the Meniere’s Disease?

The exact cause of MD is not clear; however, physicians assume that symptoms for MD can be recognized.

The inner ear has a part called labyrinth that contains elaborate structures which help in the hearing process. These structures also work like a gyroscope for maintaining balance. When the amount of fluid increases inside the labyrinth, signals to the brain get disrupted, which causes vertigo and hearing problems, and eventually can develop into MD.

Researchers have come up with several theories with regard to the development of MD. The reasons are as follows:

  • v  Poor drainage because of any blockage or abnormality in the labyrinth
  • v  An autoimmune response
  • v  Any allergic reaction
  • v  A viral infection
  • v  Genetic inheritance
  • v  Concussion or any other physical injury to the ears
  • v  Migraine

Identifying the symptoms to detect Meniere’s Disease


Generally, most of the ear-related problems get resolved within a few days. Some problems may require doctor’s consultation. Prescription medicines are available for treating hearing problems at retail and online pharmacies. However, MD develops over time and progresses gradually. Hence, identifying the symptoms for MD becomes difficult.

The disease may start with the occasional hearing loss, which may later develop into vertigo. Some people may also experience anxiety, blurry vision, palpitation, and trembling.

MD-related attacks can last for a long interval. Also, the frequency of the attacks can range from a week to several years.

How can Meniere’s Disease be diagnosed?

There are several procedures available to diagnosis MD.
Some of the common diagnostic methods are as follows:

Audiometric examination: This test is conducted to determine any hearing loss in the affected ear.

Electronystagmogram: This test is conducted to evaluate the body-balance of an individual.

Electrocochleography. This test is done to measure fluid pressure in the inner ear.

Rotary chair testing: This test is done for determining the effects of eye movement on the inner ear.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP): This test is done to measure the reaction to sudden and loud noises. 

Post urography: This test is done to determine an individual’s balance and how well they can keep it.

Video head impulse test (VHIT): In this test, video images are observed to determine the eye response to a sudden movement.

Auditory brainstem response test (ABR). In this test, a computer measures the brain waves while the body responds to different sounds. This test can be used for infants and people who cannot undergo any other imaging test.

In addition to these tests, the consulting physician may also recommend an MRI or CT scan to check other probable causes for MD.

Treatment regimen prescribed for treating Meniere’s Disease



There are some treatments available that are used to treat vertigo and fluid accumulation in the inner ear. Some of these treatment regimens are as follows:

Oral Medications:
Medicine for motion sickness can give relief from vertigo and nausea. Diuretics are used to reduce fluid accumulation in the ear. Steroids are prescribed by doctors if the patient is found suffering from any immune system-related problem. These medicines can be purchased through online pharmacy delivery apps.

Physiotherapy: Exercises to help with imbalance, dizziness, and other issues are prescribed by physiotherapists.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): It helps in training the brain to use senses other than hearing, such as vision, to improve balance.

Positive pressure therapy: In this therapy, a device call the Meniett device is used to apply pressure to the ear canal by using a tube. This therapy is used for improving the fluid movement in the inner ear. 

Injections:
Injecting medicines directly into the ear canal can provide relief from vertigo. Injection of medicine is directly administered into the inner ear through the ear canal. Antibiotics and steroids are commonly used in this treatment regimen.

Surgery: Patients who do not respond to other treatment methods may have to undergo a surgical procedure. These procedures may include:

  • v  Endolymphatic sac shunt surgery
  • v  Vestibular nerve sectioning
  • v  Cochleosacculotomy
  • v  Labyrinthectomy

Conclusion:
It is not clear why some people develop MD; however, few things can be done to help in the management of MD-related symptoms such as trying to sit down and be still in case of a vertigo attack, avoiding sudden movements, and fixing gaze on something steady. Diagnosis of an MD-related disorder is very difficult and the condition in most cases leaves with permanent damage to the human hearing apparatus. Hence, it is very important to regularly follow-up with the doctor if the symptoms persist for a longer duration.

 

 

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