The initial triggers of Meniere’s disease are not fully understood. Some studies suggested that Meniere’s disease is a result of excessive fluid (endolymph) built up in the vestibular sy stem of the inner ear interfering with the normal balance and hearing signals between the inner ear and the brain. Factors that affect endolymph in the inner ear might contribute to Meniere’s disease, included:
The diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is primarily made from the history and physical examination. Doctor may refer patient for several tests to support a Meniere’s disease diagnosis.
Diagnostic tests for Meniere’s Disease included:
Since Meniere’s disease often complimentary with a low frequency sensorineural hearing loss in the affected ear, pure tone audiometry is typically conducted to assess the hearing thresholds at various frequencies, especially responses at low frequency regions. Other tests such as the auditory brain stem response (ABR), computer tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be needed to rule out other causes such as tumor on or pressing the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).
Meniere’s disease does not have a cure yet. In order to have less effect from Meniere, people can:
Surgical treatment could be performed on those serious cases to drain the excess endolymphatic fluid in the inner ear or cut of the nerve responsible for balancing. However, such surgery may put patients at risk of hearing impairment or facial nerve paralysis. Therefore, surgery is the last resort for persons who have severe disabling attacks and pre-operation assessment by doctor is necessary.
