Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes in which you feel as if you're spinning (vertigo), and you have fluctuating hearing loss with a progressive, ultimately permanent loss of hearing, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and sometimes a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear. In most cases, Meniere's disease affects only one ear.
Meniere's disease can occur at any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 20 and 50. It's considered a chronic condition, but various treatments can help relieve symptoms and minimize the long-term impact on your life.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Signs and symptoms of Meniere's disease include:
After an episode, signs and symptoms improve and might disappear entirely. Episodes can occur weeks to years apart.
See your doctor if you have signs or symptoms of Meniere's disease. Because any one of them can result from other illnesses, it's important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The cause of Meniere's disease isn't understood. One popular theory that hasn't been proved is that Meniere's disease appears to be the result of the abnormal amount of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear. This often shows on autopsies, but it's not clear that it causes the episodes.
Factors that affect the fluid, which might contribute to Meniere's disease, include:
Because no single cause has been identified, it's likely that Meniere's disease results from a combination of factors.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Your doctor will conduct an exam and take a medical history. A diagnosis of Meniere's disease requires:
A hearing test (audiometry) assesses how well you detect sounds at different pitches and volumes and how well you distinguish between similar-sounding words. People with Meniere's disease typically have problems hearing low frequencies or combined high and low frequencies with normal hearing in the mid frequencies.
Between episodes of vertigo, the sense of balance returns to normal for most people with Meniere's disease. But you might have some ongoing balance problems.
Tests that assess function of the inner ear include:
Videonystagmography (VNG). This test evaluates balance function by assessing eye movement. Balance-related sensors in the inner ear are linked to muscles that control eye movement. This connection enables you to move your head while keeping your eyes focused on a point.
In a VNG evaluation, warm and cool water or warm and cool air are introduced into the ear canal. Measurements of involuntary eye movements in response to this stimulation are performed using a special pair of video goggles.
Blood tests and others may be used to rule out disorders that can cause problems similar to those of Meniere's disease, such as a tumor in the brain or multiple sclerosis. An imaging test, such as an MRI, also might be used.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
The unpredictable episodes of vertigo and the prospect of permanent hearing loss can be the most difficult problems of Meniere's disease. The disease can interrupt your life and cause fatigue, emotional stress, depression and anxiety.
Vertigo can cause you to lose balance, increasing your risk of falls and accidents while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Certain self-care tactics can help reduce the impact of Meniere's disease. Consider these tips for use during an episode:
Salt and stress can affect hearing and balance. To avoid triggering a vertigo attack, try the following.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
Meniere's disease can affect your social life, your productivity and the overall quality of your life. Learn all you can about your condition. Talk to people who share the condition, possibly in a support group. Group members can provide information, resources, support and coping strategies. Ask your doctor or therapist about groups in your area or look for information from the Vestibular Disorders Association.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com
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