Meniere's Disease Causes
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The inner ear includes a hollow structure called the membranous labyrinth. This structure is filled with fluid called endolymph. Endolymph normally moves as the person moves the head. The fluid washes over the inner ear's hair cells, which transmit the information to the brain. The inner ear works best when it contains the proper amount of endolymph at the proper pressure. Sometimes, although doctors aren't certain why, the amount of fluid increases. This is called endolymphatic hydrops, or idopathic endolymphatic hydrops ("idopathic" simply means "cause unknown).
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Due to the excess fluid, the membranous labyrinth swells. The increased pressure of the fluid flattens the hair cells within the membrane and causes them to fire off confusing messages to the brain. In addition, the swelling may make the membrane leak, or may rupture it entirely. Not only does that affect the function of the labyrinth but it also damages the cells nearby because the endolymph is very high in potassium, which is toxic to most cells.
Because the chemical makeup of endolymph is different from that of other fluids in the area, it disrupts their normal function when it mixes with them. -
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As a result, the person may experience a ringing or roaring in the ears, severe dizziness, or vertigo. He may also feel like the affected ear is stuffy or full.
Meniere's disease cannot be tested for nor cured, but it can be treated. A low- or no-salt diet will cut down on the amount of fluid the body retains; this solution helps relieve symptoms for many patients.For those who have persistent vertigo, surgery may be required. Removing the membranous labyrinth is an option; however, this procedure destroys hearing. However, cutting certain nerves within the inner ear (a vestibular neurectomy) can relieve vertigo without sacrificing hearing.
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