Menieres disease

Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by vertigo (abnormal sensation of movement), deafness in one or both ears and tinnitus (noises or a sensation of ringing in the ear). Moreover, nausea, vomiting, sweating and nystagmus (uncontrollable, rhytmical and jerky eye movements; usually in horizontal plane in Meniere’s disease) may frequently accompany other symptoms. These complaints and findings occur as episodic bouts, may last from minutes to hours and worsen with movements.

The exact cause of Meniere's disease is not known, but it is supposed to be caused by the swelling of a part (endolymphatic sac) of the semicircular canals of the inner ear, which are responsible from the balance and position of the body. The symptoms may occur in the presence of middle ear infection, head trauma, upper respiratory tract infection or by using aspirin, smoking cigarette or drinking alcohol.

The diagnosis is usually established by clinical findings and medical history. However, a detailed neurologic examination, audiometry and even head MRI scan can be performed to exclude a tumor of the cranial nerve VIII in cases of suspect.

Treatment is aimed at lowering the pressure within the inner ear. Antihistamines, anticholinergics, antiemetics and diuretics may be used for this purpose. Some clinicians may recommend a low salt diet for the same purpose. Surgery of the semicircular canals or the vestibular nerve is very rarely performed in some untreatable and most severe cases. The disease may end spontaneously and never repeat again, recovery may be managed by using medications only and in some limited occations the symptoms may last despite any kind of medications.