TriVita Topic On Meniere’s Disease

Jan 2, 2009 by admin

Summary of Topic: Meniere’s Disease
By Dr. Brazos Minshew

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the labyrinth in the inner ear. The labyrinth is a system of cavities and canals in the inner ear that affects hearing, balance, and eye movement.

© 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc

Causes
An increase in the volume or pressure of fluid in the labyrinth can result in Meniere’s disease. The cause of these fluid changes is unknown. Possible causes may include:
* Part of the labyrinth ruptures, allowing fluid in different compartments to mix
* Scar tissue causes a blockage in the labyrinth
* Inner ear injury due to:

• Viral infection
• Syphilis, a sexually-transmitted disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Blood vessel problems
• High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
• Hormonal disorders
• Medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy agents.

Symptoms
The intensity of symptoms can vary from one person to another. Symptoms usually come on suddenly. They typically involve only one ear, but may involve both. Symptoms may include:
*Episodes of vertigo (spinning sensation), often accompanied by:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Paleness of the skin
• Weakness or falling
• In some cases, headache or diarrhea

* Hearing loss may worsen during attacks of vertigo
* Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
* Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
* Poor sense of balance
* A tendency for symptoms to worsen with movement.

Prevention
There are no specific guidelines for preventing Meniere’s disease. However, to help reduce your risk, avoid the following risk factors:

• High-salt diet
• High-sugar diet
• Excess noise
• Excess alcohol
• Stress
• Smoking
• Use of drugs that can be toxic to the ear such aminoglycosides, aspirin, and quinine.

Source: TriVita Article Meniere’s Disease December 2008.