Meniere's Disease

Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear and causes annoying symptoms, and it can also lead to serious complications, but it can be managed.

Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder in the inner ear that leads to recurrent episodes of vertigo and dizziness.

Meniere’s disease can affect anyone at any age, but it typically occurs between the ages of 40 and 60, and it tends to affect females more than males.

Causes of Meniere’s disease

The reason behind Meniere’s disease isn’t known, but it’s thought that it occurs due to the extra build-up of the inner ear fluid, and this accumulation may be a result of:

• Poor fluid drainage that may be a result of a blockage or irregular ear shape.
• Genetics.
• Viral infections.
• Autoimmune diseases.
• Allergies.
• Migraine.

Symptoms of Meniere’s disease

Episodes of Meniere’s disease may last from 20 minutes to a whole day, and the main symptoms are:

• Vertigo that may cause the patient to topple over and fall.
• Tinnitus.
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
• Hearing problems.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Meniere’s disease may cause permanent hearing loss as it progresses.

Diagnosis of Meniere’s disease

• Hearing test.
• Neurological exam.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of Meniere’s disease

There isn’t a cure for Meniere’s disease, but it can be managed by:

• Medications.
• Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress, following a low-sodium diet, and consuming less caffeine and alcohol.
• Certain therapies like vestibular rehabilitation and devices like hearing aids.
• A surgery to relieve the pressure from the inner ear fluid.