Meniere's Disease

Meniere's Disease is a condition caused by disorder of the inner ear. The patient suffers sudden and severe bouts of vertigo. Meniere's disease caused by changes in fluid pressure in the inner ear. Though it is not life-threatening, symptoms of Meniere's disease can be disturbing and unnerving. Though only one ear is affected in most patients, in rare cases both ears are involved. This medical condition is also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops.

Symptoms of Meniere's Disease are dizzines or vertigo and episodes of tinnitus. The patient may experience a pressurized feeling inside the ear. The vertigo might bring on nausea, vomiting and sweating spells. Ménière's disease symptoms come in sporadic attacks, often without warning. The unsteady feeling can linger for days. The person might occasionally experience headaches and abdominal pain. Ménière's disease often brings on progressive hearing loss, especially low-frequency hearing.

Hearing and balance tests and MRI scans aid in diagnosing Ménière's disease. Electrocochleography is helpful in recording the electrical activity of the inner ear. There is no cure for Ménière's disease but lifestyle changes and medications can alleviate some of the symptoms and reduce intnsity and occurence of attacks. Antiobiotic injections of gentamicin into the inner ear helps in restoring balance function. Anti-vertigo medications such as meclizine or diazepam may provide temporary relief during the attacks of vertigo. The patient must limit salt and MSG consumption and avoid triggers such as caffeine, chocolate, tobacco, aerated drinks and tea. Surgical procedures such as removal of nerves that trigger the condition are resorted to in acute cases of vertigo resulting from Ménière's disease.

Labyrinthitis

A patient suffering from Labyrinthitis experiences severe vertigo and subsequent dizziness and imbalance. There is disequilibrium and spinning attacks. Labyrinthitis is a mild condition that is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Often this condition follows a bout of cold and flu or allergy or drugs that are toxic to the inner ear. It occurs when there is an inflammation in the labyrinth of the ear. Since the sense of balance and hearing hinge on the delicate structure of the inner ear, any dysfunction can lead to symptoms associated with labyrinthitis. Usually the symptoms pass away in a few weeks. However, a severe case of Labyrinthitis can damage your sense of balance and hearing.

Labyrinthitis manifests with symptoms such as lightheadedness, imbalance and feeling of being pushed either forwards, backwards or sideways. There may be nausea, fatigue and reduced immunity. Labyrinthitis may bring on uncontrollable flickering of the eyes and momentary deafness. A patient suffering from Labyrinthitis is likely to face problems with memory and thinking abilities. Depression and anxiety may also set in.

A physician will conduct a physical examination to check for dizzines and vertigo. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Hearing and eye tests may be conducted in severe cases. A mild case of Labyrinthitis lasts for a couple of weeks.

Tilt table test

Tilt table test is a diagnotic test that is conduced on patients suffering from symptoms such as sudden drop in blood pressure. Patients suffering from symptoms such as fainting spells or severe lightheadedness may be asked to go through the tilt table test to check changes in postural hypotension. The tilt table test can throw light on unexplained fainting spells. During a tilt table test, the blood pressure is monitored with respect to its response to stress of gravity. Syncope is caused by unusual body response to position changes. Patients undergoing tilt table test are connected to ECG-type machine and IV line too. Isoproterenol or similiar drugs are used during the tilt table test. It is essential that the physician is informed of any medications such as appetite suppressants and sleeping pills. The patient is monitored in supine position and later in sitting position. Any symptoms of dizziness or vertigo are noted. Abnormal results of tilt table test are indicative of abnormality of blood pressure regulation.