Ménière's syndrome is a rare disease that affects the inner ear, characterized by frequent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. Generally, these symptoms suddenly appear, and can last for a few minutes or persist for hours. In addition, the amount and intensity of crises varies from one person to another.
Although the exact causes of this syndrome are still unclear, it is believed that it can be caused by the excessive accumulation of fluid inside the ear canals.
If you think you may have the syndrome, select the symptoms in the following test, which helps identify symptoms compatible with the syndrome:
- 1. Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness Yes No
- 2. Feeling that everything around is moving or running Yes No
- 3. Temporary hearing loss Yes No
- 4. Constant tinnitus in the ear Yes No
- 5. Capped ear sensation Yes No
However, it should be remembered that only the doctor can make the correct diagnosis and exclude other possible causes.
In most cases, Ménière's syndrome affects only one ear, however it may appear in both. It can occur in people of all ages, although it is more common in people between the ages of 20 and 50.
Although there is no cure, there are treatments for this syndrome, indicated by the otorhinolaryngologist, that can control the disease, such as the use of diuretics, low sodium diet and physical therapy, for example.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of Ménière's syndrome is usually made by the otorhinolaryngologist through the evaluation of symptoms and clinical history. Some of the requirements to get at diagnosis include having 2 episodes of vertigo lasting at least 20 minutes, having decreased hearing with a proven hearing test and having a constant ringing sensation in the ear.
Before the definitive diagnosis, the doctor can perform several tests in the ears, to ensure that there is no other cause that may be causing the same type of symptoms, such as a perforated infection or eardrum, for example. Find out about other causes of vertigo and how to differentiate.
How is the treatment done?
Although there is no cure for Meniere's syndrome, it is possible to resort to various types of treatment to reduce especially the feeling of vertigo. One of the first treatments used to control seizures is the use of medicine for nausea such as Meclizine or Promethazine, for example, or tranquillizers.
To control the disease and reduce the frequency of seizures, a treatment that includes the use of medicines such as diuretics, betaestine, vasodilators, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants is also indicated to decrease the immune activity in the ear.
In addition, it is recommended to restrict salt, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, in addition to avoiding too much stress, as they can trigger more seizures. Physiotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation is indicated as a way to strengthen the balance and, if the hearing is very impaired, the use of hearing aid.
However, if the symptoms do not improve, the otorhino can still inject medications directly into the eardrum to be absorbed by the ear, such as Gentamicin or Dexamethasone. In the more severe cases, surgery may be needed to decompress the inner ear or decrease the action of the auditory nerve, for example.
Learn more about the main ways of treating this syndrome.
Possible causes of Ménière's disease
The specific cause of Ménière's syndrome is not yet known, however, the most accepted theory is that it arises due to the excessive accumulation of fluid within the ear canals.
Some factors that may contribute to this accumulation include:
- Anatomical alterations of the ear;
- Allergies;
- Viral infections;
- Head bumps;
- Frequent migraine;
- Exaggerated immune system response.
It is also possible that this syndrome arises due to the combination of these factors.
Also watch the following video and see which diet is indicated for people with Ménière's syndrome:
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