Endolymphatic dropsy
Endolymphatic dropsy. Also known as Ménière’s Vertigo, it is a disease characterized by the presence of tinnitus (noises in the ears ), lack of hearing in outbreaks and vertigo for a variable period of time. It is an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing .
The inner ear has fluid-filled tubes called semicircular canals or labyrinths. The canals, along with a nerve in the skull, help interpret the position of the body and maintain balance.
Meniere’s disease occurs when a part of the canal, called the endolymphatic sac, becomes inflamed. This sac helps filter and eliminate fluid in the semicircular canals.
The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, although in some cases it may be related to:
- Head trauma
- middle ear infection
- Syphilis
Summary
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- 1 Risk factors
- 1 Genetics can also play a role.
- 2 Symptoms
- 1 Symptoms include:
- 3 Treatment
- 1 Expectations (forecast):
- 2 Situations requiring medical assistance:
- 3 Prevention:
- 4 Sources
Risk factor’s
- Allergies
- alcohol consumption
- Fatigue
- Recent viral illness
- Respiratory infection
- Smoking
- Stress
- Use of certain medications, including acetylsalicylic acid ( aspirin )
Genetics may also play a role.
About 100,000 people can develop Ménière’s disease each year.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Abnormal sensation of movement ( vertigo )
o worsens with sudden movement o lasts from a few minutes to several hours o may come and go
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss in one or both ears
o Low-frequency sounds are lost first or the magnitude of the hearing loss may change
- Noises or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Sudden episodes of complete disorientation that cause the person to fall
- Sweating (may be copious)
- Uncontrollable eye movements
- Nausea and vomiting
The feeling of dizziness and losing balance usually comes in attacks that last from minutes to hours. Other symptoms may last longer. Signs and tests:
A neurological exam may show problems with hearing, balance, or eye movement.
A procedure called caloric stimulation tests eye reflexes by warming and cooling the inner ear with water. Abnormal results from this test may be a sign of Meniere’s disease .
Tests done to differentiate Meniere’s disease from other causes of vertigo include:
- Evoked potential studies
- Electronystagmography
- CT scan or MRI of the head
- Hearing tests (audiology/audiometry)
Treatment
There is no known cure for Meniere’s disease and the goal of treatment is to reduce pressure in the inner ear and relieve symptoms.
Medications, such as antihistamines and anticholinergics , are used but are rarely effective.
Diuretics can help relieve fluid pressure in the inner ear. Likewise, a low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention can help (see: dietary sodium).
Medications called antiemetics may be prescribed for nausea and vomiting. Symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo may respond to the use of sedative-hypnotics and benzodiazepines such as diazepam .
Ear surgery may be required if symptoms are severe and do not respond to other treatment.
Additionally, hearing aids may be needed for severe hearing loss .
Avoid sudden movements that may aggravate symptoms and assistance may be needed to walk due to loss of balance during attacks.
During episodes, avoid bright lights, television , and reading, which can worsen symptoms . Rest during severe episodes and gradually increase activity.
Also avoid dangerous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, climbing, and similar activities, until one week after symptoms disappear.
Expectations (prognosis):
The prognosis varies. Meniere’s disease can usually be controlled with treatment and recovery can occur spontaneously; however, the disorder can also be chronic or disabling. Complications:
- Inability to walk or function due to uncontrollable vertigo
- Hearing loss on the affected side
Situations requiring medical assistance:
Make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms of Meniere’s disease, such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or vertigo occur, or if they get worse.
Prevention:
There is no known form of prevention for this disease, but timely treatment of ear infection and other related disorders can help.
