It is an inner ear disorder characterized by problems in the structures that provide balance in the inner ear. Meniere's disease The main symptoms include recurrent attacks of dizziness and hearing loss. It usually occurs unilaterally and can come and go in attacks. The disease is associated with an imbalance of fluid pressure in the inner ear or changes in the chemical structure of the fluid.
What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?
Meniere's disease Sudden and severe attacks of dizziness may occur during the attack. The patient usually feels as if they are spinning around. Hearing loss usually begins unilaterally and may be progressive. Hearing may be normal between attacks at the beginning. Sounds such as ringing, buzzing or humming may be heard in the ear.
There may be a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Nausea and vomiting may occur during severe dizziness attacks. Meniere's disease symptoms usually occur in attacks. Symptoms may ease or disappear temporarily between attacks. The severity and frequency of the disease may vary from person to person.
What Causes Meniere's Disease?
It may cause abnormal accumulation or pressure changes in the endolymph fluid that provides balance in the inner ear. Congenital or acquired structural problems in the inner ear, Meniere's disease Problems with the immune system or autoimmune reactions can affect the health of the inner ear and lead to.
It may be passed down through families; high-risk genes or genetic factors are thought to play a role. Some problems in the blood vessels of the inner ear or changes in blood flow may predispose to the disease. Although rare, some infections in the inner ear may be effective in its development. The exact cause is not yet fully understood. These factors Meniere's disease are among the possible factors that play a role in its formation.
How Is Meniere's Disease Diagnosed?
The doctor takes a detailed history of the patient's symptoms and performs a physical exam. This helps evaluate symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance problems. The patient's hearing ability is evaluated with audiological tests. Tests usually include audiograms and tympanometry. The doctor may perform vestibular tests to evaluate balance problems. Tests include the Romberg test and other specialized balance tests.
Meniere's disease Imaging tests (such as an MRI) are usually not needed to make a diagnosis. However, if the symptoms are interpreted as a sign of another problem, the doctor will order these tests. There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose the disease. Some blood tests or other laboratory tests are needed to rule out other possible causes. Diagnosis is usually based on a combination of symptoms and signs. It may require ruling out other possible causes. Therefore, it is important to consult an otolaryngologist for a correct diagnosis.
What are the Treatment Methods for Meniere's Disease?
Medications to relieve dizziness and other symptoms play an important role in managing the disease. Anti-vertigo medications, antihistamines, and diuretics are some common options. Limiting salt intake can reduce the severity of symptoms by reducing the pressure in the inner ear. In some cases, doctors may recommend salt restriction. For patients with hearing loss, auditory rehabilitation therapy, hearing aids, and other solutions can provide auditory support.
Infusion treatments, which involve delivering medication directly to the inner ear, may help control symptoms. Meniere's disease In advanced cases, surgical options are considered to reduce hearing loss. Procedures such as endolymphatic drainage or vestibular nerve cutting may be used for this purpose. Some patients may benefit from alternative medicine methods such as acupuncture. However, there is limited definitive evidence about the effectiveness of such treatments. The appropriate method of treatment should be determined based on the patient's symptoms and the severity of the disease. Therefore, the treatment plan should be customized for each patient.
