Sometimes you will be too exhausted, or too confused to be able to do this right away. Even if you write down what you remember when you are able to, this is still better than trying to remember everything a few (many?) days later in the doctors office, or emergency. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicable Diseases website. Severe vertigo is the symptom that causes the most problems. With vertigo, you feel as though you are spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around you. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Some people with Meniere’s disease don’t experience symptoms between episodes. Others may experience symptoms like tinnitus and hearing loss between attacks. Information about any treatments taken and if they were beneficial will be discussed along with any fears or concerns about the illness, such as work, family or quality of life.
Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that can cause severe dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. If you are experiencing these symptoms, your doctor may recommend a series of tests to confirm a diagnosis. But what test specifically confirms Meniere’s disease?
It is claimed that the CHAMP test can demonstrate not only the presence of active MD but also the progress of the disease in treatment and follow-up periods. The incidence of fluctuant hearing loss and vertigo increased in these patients if the CAR value is 0.975 or below (26). On the other hand, the use of the CHAMP test was reported to be invalid and unreliable in later studies where the sensitivity and specificity were calculated to be 31% and 28%, respectively (27). In conclusion, the CHAMP test presents low sensitivity for the demonstration of EH in MD. Scans are a routine part of the investigation of many diseases.
Moreover, ECoG is affected by the stage and duration of the disease. While an increased SP/AP ratio is found in 71% of patients in stage 1, it is seen in 82% in stage 2, 85% in stage 3, and 90% in stage 4. ECoG may not correlate with the stage of disease, duration of symptoms, patient history, and audiometric findings all the time (6, 36–38). Moreover, even if vertigo attacks disappear completely after treatment, the SP/AP ratio does not recover (38).
The Key Test: Electrocochleography (ECoG)
The patient also wears a hair band on their head with a bone vibrator which usually sits behind the ear which tests inner ear function. The hearing test does not explain how well everyday sounds are heard but tests response to the quietest sounds which may be heard in a totally artificial scenario. This test is well standardised and does give a reliable guide as to what level a patient’s hearing is at.
A hearing test, or audiometry, is used to determine if you’re experiencing hearing loss. In this test, you’ll put on headphones and hear noises of a variety of pitches and volumes. You’ll need to indicate when you can and cannot hear a tone, so the technician can determine if you’re experiencing hearing loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s disease, your doctor will order tests to examine your balance and hearing, and rule out other causes of your symptoms. Meniere’s is a progressive disease, which means it tends to get worse over time. You might get several in a week, or they might come months or even years apart.
The test that confirms Meniere’s disease is called electrocochleography (ECoG). ECoG measures electrical activity in the inner ear in response to sound stimulation. This test can help differentiate between Meniere’s disease and other inner ear disorders.
How Does ECoG Help Confirm Meniere’s Disease?
- ECoG can detect abnormal fluid levels in the inner ear, which is a hallmark of Meniere’s disease.
- It can also assess the function of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.
- ECoG results can help guide treatment options for Meniere’s disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q:
A: ECoG is a non-invasive test that involves placing electrodes on the skin around the ear. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort during the test.
Q:
A: An ECoG test usually takes about 30-60 minutes to complete.
If you suspect you have Meniere’s disease, it’s important to see a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis. ECoG is the key test that can confirm the presence of Meniere’s disease and help determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
