Menieres Disease
Meniere's disease is a condition that causes changes within the inner ear. Symptoms can include vertigo, which is a spinning sensation, hearing loss in one of your ears, pressure in the affected ear, or tinnitus, which is ringing in the affected ear. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly 45,000 people a year are diagnosed with Meniere's. Older adults between the ages of 40 to 50 are more likely to develop the condition.
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Your Inner Ear
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Within the inner ear is an area known as the labyrinth. The labyrinth has a bony section and a membranous section. The membranous section is surrounded by bone and filled with a fluid substance called endolymph. As you move your head, the endolymph moves in correlation to your head's movement. As your head moves, sensors within the membranous section send signals to your brain.
Cause
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Sometimes your membranous labyrinth can balloon, due to an increase of endolymph. This results in endolymphatic hydrops. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, if endolymph mixes with another inner ear fluid perilymph, it can lead to Meniere's. Other causes being investigated are genetics, viral causes, noise pollution, such as living next to freeways, and environmental factors. Meniere's typically involves only one ear, although, rarely, both ears can be afflicted.
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Symptoms
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When an attack occurs, one of your ears will feel intense pressure. You may also have a hearing fluctuation, such as a loss of hearing, as well as vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. From the onset of symptoms, an attack usually lasts no more than four hours. According to the American Hearing Research Center, after you suffer from an attack, you're likely to be exhausted and need to sleep.
Tumarkin
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A bizarre symptom of Meniere's is a condition known as "otolithic crises of Tumarkin." You may feel as if you're falling or tilting, even though you're standing upright. In an attempt to steady yourself, you can fall. According to the American Hearing Research Center, the condition can occur suddenly and can cause injury. Surgery may be needed to correct the condition.
Complications
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Meniere's can be a debilitating condition. Experiencing vertigo can cause you to lie down for hours at a time, causing you to avoid your daily routine. Driving a car can be risky, due to the increased risk of accidents. Depression and anxiety can occur because you never known when symptoms will arise. Falls can also cause injury and distress.
Treatments
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There is no cure for Meniere's, but there are ways to cope with the condition. Your physician can prescribe motion sickness and anti nausea medications to help with the spinning associated with vertigo. Avoid foods high in salt, which can cause fluid retention. Try to eat meals regularly to help keep food and liquids regulated within your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, caffeine can exacerbate symptoms and cause tinnitus to be louder. Relieving stress may decrease triggers. Speak with your physician about treatment options to help manage your life. The Meniere's Network can provide suggestions for coping as well as support.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit NASA: wikimedia.org
