Meniere’s Disease: A Review of Etiology, Symptoms, and Treatment
Abstract
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The cause of the disorder is unknown, but is thought to be related to endolymphatic hydrops. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to debilitating, and the condition is often managed with lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions. This paper provides a summary of the etiology, symptoms, and treatments for Meniere’s disease.
Introduction
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness (Hoffman & Chole, 2012). The cause of the disorder is unknown, but is thought to be related to endolymphatic hydrops (Jahrsdoerfer & Gubbels, 2013). Symptoms can range in severity from mild to debilitating, and the condition is often managed with lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions (Furman & Nadol, 2017). This paper provides a summary of the etiology, symptoms, and treatments for Meniere’s disease.
Etiology
The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but is thought to be related to endolymphatic hydrops (Jahrsdoerfer & Gubbels, 2013). Endolymphatic hydrops is a condition in which an excess of fluid accumulates in the inner ear, resulting in pressure on the endolymphatic sac. This pressure can cause a disruption of the normal functioning of the inner ear, resulting in the symptoms of Meniere’s disease (Hoffman & Chole, 2012).
Symptoms
The most common symptom of Meniere’s disease is episodic vertigo, which is a feeling of spinning or dizziness. Other symptoms can include fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness (Hoffman & Chole, 2012). The episodes can last from a few minutes to several hours and may occur several times a day or week (Furman & Nadol, 2017).
Treatment
The treatment for Meniere’s disease is aimed at managing the symptoms and preventing further episodes. Treatment options can include lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions (Furman & Nadol, 2017). Lifestyle modifications include avoiding triggers such as stress and certain foods, as well as limiting salt intake and caffeine consumption (Hoffman & Chole, 2012). Medications, such as anticholinergics and antiemetics, can be used to reduce the symptoms of vertigo (Jahrsdoerfer & Gubbels, 2013). In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to relieve pressure on the endolymphatic sac (Furman & Nadol, 2017).
Conclusion
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The cause of the disorder is unknown, but is thought to be related to endolymphatic hydrops. Symptoms can range in severity from mild to debilitating, and the condition is often managed with lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgical interventions.
References
Furman, J. M., & Nadol, J. B. (2017). Meniere’s disease. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 50(4), 827-841.
Hoffman, H. J., & Chole, R. A. (2012). Meniere’s disease. American Family Physician, 86(4), 344-349.
Jahrsdoerfer, R. A., & Gubbels, S. P. (2013). Endolymphatic hydrops: A review of the pathophysiology. American Journal of Otolaryngology, 34(3), 229-235.