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What exactly is Meniere's disease?
Simply put, Meniere's disease is a condition that occurs in the inner ear . Many people think that dizziness is caused by a problem in the brain. However, in this disease, the problem lies inside the ear. This causes three main symptoms: 1. Vertigo : This is not just a spinning sensation. Vertigo is the feeling that the whole room, the whole world, is spinning around you even when you are in one place. 2. Tinnitus : A continuous ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, even when there is no sound around. 3. Hearing Loss: Over time, hearing gradually decreases. This disease usually affects only one ear. Although the symptoms may come and go at first, over time, hearing loss can be permanent.Why do we get this disease?
Inside our ears is a very complex system that controls our body's balance and helps us hear. Inside this system is a fluid called Endolymph''. Think of it like a small balloon inside the ear. If for some reason this fluid increases, meaning the balloon fills up too much, the pressure inside the ear increases. That's when the symptoms of Meniere's disease appear. This fluid pressure mainly affects two parts:- Cochlea : This snail-shaped part helps us hear sounds. When fluid pressure increases, its function is disrupted, reducing hearing.
- Vestibular Labyrinth: This is like the accelerometer in our phones. This part helps us keep our bodies balanced no matter how we stand, walk, or run. When fluid pressure increases, the signals from this system to the brain become distorted, causing severe dizziness (vertigo).
- Allergic reactions or autoimmune conditions (that is, diseases in which our body's own defense system attacks our own cells).
- Viral infections .
- Genetic factors that come from heredity.
- Narrowing of blood vessels, as occurs in migraines.
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Check Availability →Who is most at risk of developing this disease?
Although anyone can develop Meniere's disease, some people are at higher risk. Let's take a look at who they are.| Risk factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Immune system diseases | The risk is higher if you have diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. |
| Family history | If someone in your family has this disease, there is a small chance that you will also develop it. |
| Age | This disease is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 40 and 60. |
| Gender | Women are at slightly higher risk of developing this disease. |
Symptoms and stages of the disease
Symptoms of Meniere's disease can come on suddenly. We call these "attacks." A single attack can last from 20 minutes to 24 hours. Between attacks, you can live normally without any discomfort.Sometimes the dizziness is so severe that you can't stand up and suddenly fall to the ground. We call these "drop attacks."It says. This can be dangerous, so you have to be very careful.Because this disease gradually worsens over time, doctors divide it into three main stages.
The three stages of the disease
- Early Stage: During this stage, vertigo attacks occur at unpredictable times. During the attack, the ear feels heavy, hearing is reduced, and there is a ringing in the ears. These symptoms disappear when the attack is over.
- Intermediate Stage: The vertigo attacks may decrease slightly, but they are not less severe. Hearing loss may begin to become permanent. The ringing in the ears may persist.
- Late Stage: By this time, the vertigo attacks may have almost completely stopped. However, hearing may be greatly reduced, or even completely lost. Balance problems persist, making it difficult to walk, especially in the dark.
How does a doctor accurately diagnose this?
If you have these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor. There are other diseases that have similar symptoms. The doctor will ask you questions, examine you, and do some tests to confirm whether this is Meniere's disease.- Audiometry: A test that measures how well you can hear and how your ears respond to different sound waves.
- Vestibular tests: These check how well your inner ear's balance system is working. There are specific tests for this, such as (VNG) and (Rotary chair testing).
- Other tests: An MRI or CT scan may be done to rule out other causes, such as a brain tumor.
What are the treatments for this?
There is no cure for Meniere's disease yet. However, there are many effective treatments that can help you control your symptoms and live a normal life. 1. Lifestyle changes:- Salt control: This is the most important thing. Reducing the amount of salt added to your diet can help reduce the pressure of fluid inside your ear. Stay away from things like canned foods, sauces, and salty biscuits.
- Caffeine and alcohol: These can increase symptoms, so it's best to reduce them as much as possible.
- Medicines for dizziness and nausea ((Betahistine), (Prochlorperazine)).
- Medicines that reduce the amount of fluid in the body and ears (Diuretics).
- Medicine ((Diazepam)) given to reduce mental tension during a vertigo attack.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: This is a physical therapy treatment that helps you live with dizziness and regain your body's balance.
- Ear injections: For people with severe vertigo that cannot be controlled by other treatments, the doctor may inject steroids or gentamicin into the ear.
- Surgery: Surgery is only performed in the most severe cases, when no other treatment is successful. Labyrinthectomy is one such surgery.
Important: Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you. Therefore, do not take medication based on what you have seen online or heard from someone. Always seek advice from your doctor.
Does this affect driving and flying?
Yes. If you have Meniere's disease, you should definitely notify your local Motor Vehicle Licensing Agency (RMV) and your insurance company. Driving while experiencing sudden attacks of vertigo is dangerous for you and others. It is wise to avoid driving until your symptoms are well controlled. It is not usually a major problem on flights. However, it is important to notify the airline in advance, stay hydrated during the trip, and avoid alcohol.💡 Take-Home Message
- Meniere's disease is a disease of the inner ear that mainly causes vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.
- This is not a life-threatening disease, but it can have a significant impact on quality of life.
- Although the disease cannot be completely cured, there are many effective treatments that can help control symptoms and lead a normal life.
- Reducing salt in the diet and making lifestyle changes are a very important part of treatment.
- If you have symptoms like these, don't panic or ignore them, but see a doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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