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The mysterious Meniere's disease: Why do some people experience severe vertigo attacks?
Meniere's disease is a disorder that affects the inner ear and is characterized by severe and unbearable vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The condition usually affects only one ear initially, but over time both ears may be affected. Episodes of vertigo usually last from 20 minutes to several hours, with the time between episodes varying. Hearing loss and tinnitus may become persistent over time. Although the exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, it may involve genetic and environmental factors.
Symptoms of Meniere's disease"The symptoms of Meniere's disease are thought to be caused by an increase in fluid accumulation in the labyrinth of the inner ear."
Typical symptoms of Meniere's disease include recurring episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. These attacks may be accompanied by headaches and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Patients may also experience additional symptoms of irregular autonomic nervous system responses, such as nausea, vomiting, and sweating. These symptoms are not characteristic of Meniere's disease itself, but are side effects caused by the failure of the auditory balance organs. Some patients may even experience a "fall attack" in which they fall unexpectedly without losing consciousness.
Causes of Meniere's disease
The exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors may be involved. Many theories have been proposed as to the cause of this condition, including vasoconstriction, viral infection, and autoimmune response. The initial trigger is still not fully understood but can lead to endolymphatic edema within the inner ear, a key manifestation of Meniere's disease.
"There is a strong association between endolymphatic oedema and the development of Meniere's disease, but not all patients with endolymphatic oedema will develop Meniere's disease."
Diagnosis and Management
The diagnosis of Meniere's disease is based on the person's symptoms and the results of a hearing test. According to the 2015 diagnostic criteria, confirmed Meniere's disease requires the following conditions: multiple spontaneous vertigo attacks, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Although there is no known cure, patients can manage the condition through lifestyle changes, medications, and physical therapy.
"More than 85% of patients with Meniere's disease improve with lifestyle changes, medication or minimally invasive surgery."
Medication and Diet
During an attack of Meniere's disease, people often take medications to reduce nausea and drugs to calm anxiety. Evidence for long-term treatment is relatively weak, although the use of diuretics is based on the assumption that they reduce fluid accumulation in the ear. Many people with Meniere's disease are advised to maintain a low-sodium diet; however, there is limited evidence whether changing the diet improves symptoms.
Psychological counseling and physical therapy
Because of the psychological stress caused by vertigo and hearing loss, this may lead to worsening of the condition in some patients. Therefore, psychological counseling may help manage this stress. Furthermore, although physical therapy may not be effective in the early stages of Meniere's disease, retraining of the balance system in later stages is thought to reduce balance deficits.
Surgical considerations
Surgery may be an option for patients whose symptoms do not improve with non-invasive methods. However, these procedures are associated with risks, and further research is needed to support their effectiveness.
"Meniere's disease usually lasts five to 15 years, and eventually the patient may have mild imbalance, tinnitus and moderate hearing loss on one side."
Conclusion
The incidence of Meniere's disease varies in different populations and may be related to genetic factors. There is no clear treatment plan behind this complex disease. Its diagnosis and management are still evolving, and patients face challenges in quality of life. So, for someone living with the effects of Meniere's disease, how can one find balance and comfort in daily life?
