Ménière's syndrome is a rare disease that affects the inner ear, characterized by frequent episodes of vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. These symptoms usually appear suddenly, and can last for a few minutes or persist for hours. In addition, the number and intensity of seizures varies from person to person.
Although the exact causes of this syndrome are still unclear, it is believed that it can be caused by the excessive accumulation of fluid within the ear canals.
If you think you may have the syndrome, select the symptoms in the following test, which helps to identify symptoms compatible with the syndrome:
- 1. Frequent feeling sick or dizzy Yes No
- 2. Feeling that everything around is moving or rotating Yes No
- 3. Temporary hearing loss Yes No
- 4. Constant ringing in the ear Yes No
- 5. Plugged ear sensation Yes No
However, it must be remembered that only the doctor can make the correct diagnosis and exclude other possible causes.
In most cases, Ménière's syndrome affects only one ear, however it can appear in both ears. It can appear in people of all ages, although it is more common between 20 and 50 years old.
Although there is no cure, there are treatments for this syndrome, indicated by the otorhinolaryngologist, that can control the disease, such as the use of diuretics, a diet low in sodium and physical therapy, for example.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of Ménière's syndrome is usually made by the otorhinolaryngologist through the assessment of symptoms and clinical history. Some of the requirements to reach the diagnosis include having 2 episodes of vertigo that last at least 20 minutes, having a hearing loss confirmed with a hearing test and having a constant sensation of ringing in the ear.
Before the definitive diagnosis, the doctor can perform several tests on the ears, to ensure that there is no other cause that may be causing the same type of symptoms, such as an infection or perforated eardrum, for example. Find out what are the other causes of vertigo and how to differentiate.
How the treatment is done
Although there is no cure for Meniérè's syndrome, it is possible to use various types of treatment to reduce, especially, the feeling of vertigo. One of the first treatments used to control crises is the use of nausea remedies, such as Meclizine or Promethazine, for example, or tranquilizers.
To control the disease and reduce the frequency of seizures, a treatment that includes the use of medicines, such as diuretics, betahistine, vasodilators, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to decrease immune activity in the ear, is also indicated.
In addition, it is recommended to restrict salt, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, in addition to avoiding too much stress, as they can trigger more crises. Physiotherapy for vestibular rehabilitation is indicated as a way to strengthen balance and, if hearing is severely impaired, the use of a hearing aid.
However, if the symptoms do not improve, the otorhinologist can still inject drugs directly into the eardrum, to be absorbed by the ear, such as gentamicin or dexamethasone. In the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary to decompress the inner ear or decrease the action of the auditory nerve, for example.
Learn more about the main ways of treating this syndrome.
Possible causes of Ménière's disease
The specific cause of Ménière's syndrome is not yet known, however, the most accepted theory is that it arises due to the excessive accumulation of fluid within the ear canals.
Some factors that can contribute to this accumulation include:
- Anatomical changes in the ear; Allergies; Viral infections; Bumps on the head; Frequent migraine; Exaggerated response of the immune system.
It is also possible that this syndrome arises due to the combination of these factors.
Also watch the following video and see which diet is suitable for people with Ménière's syndrome:
