Meniere's Disease

What is Meniere's Disease?
Menieres is classified as a inner ear disorder that
causes repeated attacks of dizziness and the discomfort
of fullness from the affected ear. This is due to increase
pressure of the inner ear fluids.

Fluids in the inner ear chambers are constantly being produced
and absorbed by the circulatory system.If there are any disturbance
in the delicate relationship, this results is over production or under
absorption of the fluids. This leads to increase fluid pressure
(which may be felt) that usually produces dizziness which can be
associated with fluctuating hearing loss and ringing in the ear.
It is rare for someone to be affected in both ears at the same time.

Evaluation by a Otolaryngolist (Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist)or by
a Otology @ Neurotolist (Inner Ear Specialist) is needed to determine
the cause of the increase fluid pressure. Circulatory, metabolic, toxic
allergic or emotional factors may play a part in an case.

What are the symptoms?
Menieres disease is characterized by severe attacks of dizziness
that can vary from a few minutes to several hours or even days.
Hearing loss and head noise (ringing in the ear) usually accompany
the attacks.The dizziness attacks can occur suddenly without any warning.
Violent spinning, whirling and falling sensations with nausea are the
most common symptoms. For some, a sensation of pressure(fullness) in
the ear is usually present. Sometimes if the pressure is severe, it can
effect normal activities such as lack of concentration and short term
memory loss.

Occasionally hearing impairment, ringing noise and ear pressure occur
without dizziness.This type of Menieres disease is called cochlear hydrops.
Dizziness and ear pressure may occur without hearing loss and ringing,
this is called Vestibular Hydrops.Treatment for both of these is the
same as Menieres.

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