A complete physical examination, including a comprehensive neurologic examination, is required. Cranial nerves should be examined to rule out any additional focal findings. Rinne and Weber tests can be used to crudely assess auditory nerve function, but formal audiology testing is warranted.
This test is used in addition to ENG testing because the ENG results can be incorrect if you have ear damage or wax is blocking one of your ear’s canals. In this test, your eye movements are carefully recorded while the chair moves. In this test, you’ll have electrodes placed around your eyes to detect eye movement. This is done because the balance response in the inner ear causes eye movements.
It can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions with similar symptoms. Ménière’s disease most commonly affects people aged 20 to 60. There’s no cure for Ménière’s disease, but your symptoms can be managed with treatment.
When the head is rotated to one side, vestibular function on that side is normal if the patient’s eyes remain fixated on the target. This means that it doesn’t shorten your life expectancy. Getting treatment can help you live your best life although you may still get vertigo every once in a while. Some people have a family history of Ménière’s disease, which means people may inherit the condition. It’s also important to drink six to eight glasses of water per day so your body isn’t retaining fluid. A problem in the inner ear, or with the nerve in the ear, can cause hearing loss.
Meniere’s Disease is a chronic condition of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. It is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. The exact cause of Meniere’s Disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
Forest plot comparing RF between unaffected ears (UE) and control ears (CE) [27,28,30,31]. People also experience drop attacks due to causes other than Meniere’s—such as heart or circulation issues, or seizures. Other telltale symptoms come with Meniere’s as well, but it’s the intense and random vertigo that many people find the most troublesome. Meniere’s affects roughly 615,000 people in the United States, making it a relatively rare disorder, according to current statistics. But despite these statistics, there continues to be debate over how common Meniere’s actually is. To help prevent an attack, avoid stress and excess salt ingestion, caffeine, smoking, and alcohol.
Common symptoms of Meniere’s Disease include:
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Hearing loss
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
Treatment Options for Meniere’s Disease
There are several treatment options available for individuals with Meniere’s Disease, including:
- Medications to manage symptoms
- Dietary changes to reduce fluid retention
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
- Surgery in severe cases
Frequently Asked Questions about Meniere’s Disease
Q: Is Meniere’s Disease hereditary?
A: While there is no definitive answer, some research suggests a genetic component to the disease.
Q: Can Meniere’s Disease be cured?
A: There is currently no cure for Meniere’s Disease, but symptoms can be managed with treatment.
