What is Meniere's Disease?
Meniere's disease (also known as idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is one of the most prevalent causes of inner ear dizziness. Most of the time, only one ear (unilateral) is affected, although both ears (bilateral) might be impacted. Ménière's disease usually affects persons between the ages of 40 and 60. Vertigo (attacks of a spinning sensation), hearing loss, tinnitus (a roaring, buzzing, or ringing sound in the ear), and a sensation of fullness in the afflicted ear are all possible symptoms. These episodes might last from twenty minutes to twelve hours.
Symptoms of Meniere's disease
Symptoms of Meniere's disease often appear in episodes. The condition manifests itself in a variety of ways. You will most likely have two or three of these symptoms at the same time. Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, vertigo, and ear pressure may be the initial symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Hearing Loss : Hearing Loss :Hearing loss might occur from time to time. The majority of people with this condition eventually lose their hearing permanently.
- Ringing in The Ear : A sound may be heard in the ear. Ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling are all possible sounds. It is medically known as tinnitus.
- Episodic Vertigo : Vertigois the sudden sensation of spinning in a circle that is occasionally accompanied by nausea. Vertigo can last from 20 minutes to several hours, although seldom more than 24 hours.
- Ear Pressure : One may feel pressure or a sense of fullness in the impacted ear.
When to see a doctor?
Consult a doctor if a patient is experiencing symptoms of Meniere's disease. Many people experience at least two of the above-mentioned symptoms. If the symptoms are occurring in episodes, it is necessary to seek medical attention. Meniere's symptoms are likely to be mistaken for those of labyrinthitis. Carefully observe the symptoms, and in either case, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Get the best treatment for Meniere's Disease from our expert doctors at Medicover Hospitals.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Meniere's disease is still unknown. However, there are certain factors that may be responsible. A buildup of fluid inside the inner ear is the most typical reason. Many factors may contribute to the development of this condition. Possible causes are:
- Genetics : Meniere's disease is more common in people who have a family history of this condition.
- Irregular immune response : A compromised immune system might result in an abnormal immune response to infections.
- Abnormal fluid drainage : A blockage or abnormality in the structure of the ear might reduce the rate at which the fluid is removed from the inner ear.
- Viral infection : A virus may play a vital role in the development of Meniere's illness.
Complications -
Meniere's disease can cause occasional hearing loss that may at times progress to permanent loss as well. Unpredictable episodes of vertigo can sometimes bring discomfort. Vertigo can last up to 24 hours. This condition disrupts life's normal rhythm, causing worry, depression, exhaustion, and emotional stress. It may also result in -
- A loss of balance
- Increasing the chance of falling or being in an accident
- Difficulty in driving
- Difficulty in operating heavy machinery
Prevention -
There is no method of preventing Meniere's disease, but patients may take precautions to avoid or minimise episodes and their repercussions by -
- Reducing salt intake
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
- Avoiding being exposure to loud noises
- Controlling tension or stress
- If one feels dizzy, use caution at home and at work to prevent falling or having an accident
Diagnosis
If a person has symptoms of Meniere's disease, the doctor will order tests to examine balance and hearing and rule out other possibilities of the symptoms.
Hearing tests include:
- Audiometry : Audiometry It is a hearing test that determines how well a person can hear faint noises. It entails listening to a sequence of tones with varying pitches, loudness, and places. Audiometry tells the doctor whether one has difficulty hearing noises.
- Electrocochleography (ECog) : This test determines how well the ears receive electrical impulses transmitted by a device.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) : A noninvasive test that analyses the electrical activity of the brain while it receives and responds to auditory input.
- Posturography testing : Patients will wear a harness, stand barefoot, and respond to a series of balancing tests throughout this exam. This test assists doctors in identifying improper balance system functioning.
Balance tests include:
- Electronystagmography (ENG) test : The electronystagmography (ENG) test evaluates eye movements in response to hot or cold fluids in a specific region of the inner ear.
- Rotary chair testing : Rotary chair testing consists of the patient sitting in a rotating chair while a doctor records the eye movements.
- Vestibular-evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing : This test assesses hearing sensitivity. It allows doctors to assess how effectively the inner ear and brain coordinate.
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Surgery : Many types of surgery are effective in treating Ménière disease's balance issues.
- Medication : Medicines may be used to control allergies, reduce fluid accumulation, lessen dizziness, or increase blood circulation in the inner ear.
- Change in diet : Avoiding coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and salt may minimise the frequency and severity of symptoms.
- Behaviour therapies : Stress reduction may lower the intensity of symptoms.Hearing aids are used to treat hearing loss.
Lifestyle changes and Selfcare
Certain self-care techniques can help to reduce the severity of Meniere's illness. Consider the following suggestions for usage during an episode:
- Avoid activities that might aggravate vertigo symptoms, such as sudden movement, bright lights, watching television, or reading. Concentrate on an object that isn't moving.
- Rest before, during, and after attacks. Don't rush back to your daily routine.
- A fall might result in catastrophic harm. If you get up at night, use good light. If you have persistent balance issues, use a walking stick to help restore the balance.
- Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking should be avoided. These drugs have the ability to destabilise fluid balance in your ears.
Dos and Don’ts
Fluid buildup in the inner ear, which controls hearing and balance, causes Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease is defined by sudden, unpredictable attacks of dizziness (vertigo), nausea, and headaches. They may also cause ringing in the ears and occasional hearing loss (tinnitus). These episodes can last for hours. Following the below mentioned do's and don'ts can assist in reducing the negative consequences of Meniere's Disease.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Follow a low sodium diet | Take coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate, and diet pills |
| Eat a healthy and balanced meal | Eat food containing MSG |
| Keep emergency medicines with yourself | Avoid early signs and symptoms of the condition |
| Focus on mental health | Avoid taking medicines given by doctors |
Taking care of yourself and building a healthy immune system can help you fight this condition.
Meniere's Disease Care at Medicover Hospitals
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most experienced team of doctors and medical experts delivering exceptional healthcare services to patients. Our diagnostic department, with its cutting-edge technology and equipment, performs the necessary tests for the diagnosis of Meniere's Disease. This further helps our experts create a special treatment plan, based on your unique health needs. We have an experienced team of otolaryngologists that use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat this condition with extreme precision, resulting in successful outcomes.
