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Meniere’s disease

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy
Tympanic membrane
Tympanic membrane

Alternative Names    Return to top

Hydrops; Endolymphatic hydrops

Definition    Return to top

Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder that affects balance and hearing.

See also: Vertigo

Causes    Return to top

The inner ear has fluid-filled tubes called semicircular canals, or labyrinths. The canals, along with a nerve in your skull, help interpret your body's position and maintain your balance.

Meniere's disease occurs when a part of the canal, called the endolymphatic sac, becomes swollen. This sac helps filter and remove fluid in the semicircular canals.

The exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown. In some cases, it may be related to:

Other risk factors include:

Genetics may also play a role.

About 100,000 people a year develop Meniere's disease.

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms include:

The feeling of dizziness and being off balance generally come in attacks that last from minutes to hours. Other symptoms can last for longer.

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A neurological examination 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 on this test can be a sign of Meniere's disease.

Additional tests done to distinguish Meniere's disease from other causes of vertigo may include:

Treatment    Return to top

There is no known cure for Meniere's disease. The goal of treatment is to reduce pressure in the inner ear and relieve symptoms.

Medications such as antihistamines, anticholinergics, are used but are rarely effective.

Water pills (diuretics) may help relieve fluid pressure in the inner ear. A low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention may also help (See: Sodium in diet)

Medicines called antiemetics may be prescribed for nausea and vomiting. Symptoms such as dizziness, and vertigo may respond to sedative/hypnotics and benzodiazepines such as diazepam.

Ear surgery may be required if symptoms are severe and do not respond to other treatment.

Hearing aids may be needed for severe hearing loss.

Avoid sudden movements that may aggravate symptoms. You may need help walking due to loss of balance during attacks.

Avoid bright lights, TV, and reading during attacks, which may make symptoms worse. Rest during severe episodes, and gradually increase activity.

Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, climbing, and similar activities until 1 week after symptoms disappear.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome varies. Meniere's disease can often be controlled with treatment. Recovery may occur spontaneously. However, the disorder may be chronic or disabling.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of Meniere's disease, such as hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or dizziness, occur or worsen.

Prevention    Return to top

There is no known prevention for Meniere's disease, but prompt treatment of ear infection and other related disorders may be helpful.

References    Return to top

Schessel DA, Minor LB, Nedzelski J. Meniere’s disease and other peripheral vestibular disorders. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Mosby Elsevier; 2005:chap 142.

Update Date: 9/27/2008

Updated by: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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