Ménière's Disease

Ménière's disease is an inner ear disorder marked by spontaneous attacks of vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, aural fullness, and tinnitus (Minor, Schessel, & Carey, 2004).

Pathophysiology and Epidemiology:

Distortion of the membranous labyrinth, characterized by endolymphatic hydrops, is thought to be the pathologic basis of Ménière's disease. Endolymph, the potassium rich fluid in the inner ear, is either produced in over-abundant quantities or fails to be adequately absorbed, resulting in expansion of the endolymphatic space (Paparella, 1985).

Cause:

The exact cause and reason why Ménière’s disease starts is not yet known. Many theories have been proposed over the years. They include: circulation problems, viral infection, allergies, an autoimmune reaction, migraine, and the possibility of a genetic connection.

Common Symptoms:

Balance disturbance
Dizziness, lightheadedness
Headache, increased ear pressure
Hearing loss or tinnitus increase
Sound sensitivity
Vague feeling of uneasiness

Duration and frequency of attacks:

Attacks can last from 20 minutes to 24 hours. They can occur with the frequency of many attacks each week; or they can be separated by weeks, months, and even years. The unpredictable nature of this disease makes managing it challenging. It also complicates the ability of scientists and physicians to study it.

Treatment:

There is no proven cure for Ménière's disease, and current therapy is directed at reduction of associated symptoms. The optimal treatment should stop vertigo, abolish tinnitus, and reverse hearing loss. Unfortunately, long-term hearing impairment does not seem amenable to specific medical treatment (Kinney, Sandridge, & Newman, 1997).

(Gallardo, 2014)