Ménière's Disease Flashcards
what is Menieres disease
recurrent episodes of tinnitus, paroxysmal vertigo and unilateral fluctuating hearing loss
what causes menieres disease
over-production or impaired absorption of endolymph in the inner ear
what type of progression does Menieres disease adopt
slow progression. some symptoms may not be present at early stages of the disease
what are the presenting symptoms of menieres disease
vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, sensation of having a full ear, loss of balance, headache
what tests will be done to confirm menieres disease
rombergs test (POSITIVE)
fukuda standing test
what is rombergs test
when the patient is asked to stand two feet together with their eyes closed, they may sway or fall
what is fukuda standing test
when the patient marches in their spot with their eyes closed, they will start to turn towards the affected side (e.g. if their right ear is affected, they will move to the right)
what investigations will be done for suspected menieres disease
no investigation- IT IS A CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS
can see hearing loss in pure-tone air and bone conduction
risk factors
autoimmune disease, genetic predisposition and recent viral infection
managing menieres disease (acute)
dietary and lifestyle modifications (reducing salt, caffeine, stress, alcohol) as they can result in endolymph resorption being distorted
plus antiemetic (if nauseous) plus corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory to help tinnitus) plus diuretic (reduces vol of endolymph)
managing menieres disease (chronic/ persistent)
hearing aids
if hearing aids fail, surgery
prognosis
Symptoms tend to get worse over time regardless of medical intervention
