Learning About Meniere’s Disease
The ear is a very complex sense organ for hearing and equilibrium. The early detection and the accurate diagnosis of ear disease such as Meniere’s disease are important both in children and in adults.
Balance of the body is maintained by the cooperation of muscle, joint, tendon, visceral senses, the eyes and the inner ear or vestibular apparatus. The last is the most important in this function. Accordingly, fluids are set in motion by head or body movement which, in turn, stimulates extremely delicate nerve fibers which transmit messages as electric impulses along the nerve to centers in the brain for interpretation.
Any disruption on these processes can trigger diseases such as Meniere’s disease. Although there is almost general agreement that the symptoms of this ear problem stem from labyrinthine dysfunction, the cause has not been definitely established. Many theories have been advanced, such as an increase in pressure in the endolymph, vasomotor artery, emotional or endocrine disturbance or an allergic manifestation.
Symptoms are primarily vertigo, tinnitus and reduced hearing. Some patients also complain of headache, nausea, vomiting and problems in coordination.
Attacks are sudden and the patient complains of the room appearing to spin around him. Any sudden motion of the head may induce vomiting. This symptom complex usually occurs in persons who have had previous ear problems and allergic symptoms, especially vasomotor rhinitis.
Vertigo and tinnitus, the outstanding symptoms of this disease, occurs as sudden attacks and at irregular intervals of hours, days or months. Some cases can be bearable while others can be so frustrating and irritating. Patients, between attacks, can work or proceed normally and complains only of tinnitus or hearing impairment. The patient may not experience pain nor does he lose consciousness. Consequently, tinnitus occurs because the nerves have been damaged brought about by the infection in the inner ear.
Treatment for this ear disease would normally require medical management. Experts say that the patient will be placed in a low sodium diet to aid in edema control. Vasodilators are given to control vasospasm. Vitamin therapy including vitamins A, C, thiamine, and riboflavin appears to help older patients.
For the patient who has had progressive hearing loss and experiences severe vertigo attacks, the destruction of the membranuous labyrinth or the inner ear is probably the most helpful technique. For those who have a reasonable amount of hearing, ultrasonic surgery may be helpful.
Whatever medical or surgical management applies to treat Meniere’s disease, what is important is that you and your doctor should identify the condition first. Tinnitus and vertigo can be very helpful in assessing conditions like this.
Tags: menieres, Menieres disease, treat menieres disease
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