Meniere's Disease
Alternate Names : Menir's Syndrome
Menir's disease is a disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of
disabling
vertigo. Vertigo is a sensation of movement when none is actually
occurring. The person may feel that he or she is spinning or rotating
abnormally.
What is going on in the body?
Menir's disease is a disorder of the inner ear. The
inner ear is made up of the cochlea and the labyrinth. The cochlea is a
snail-shaped structure involved in hearing. The labyrinth is made up of canals
in the inner ear that control balance. Within the cochlea and labyrinth are two
fluid-filled compartments. The separation between the two compartments is
necessary for hearing and balance. It allows the nerves to communicate with
each other within that space.
Experts believe that damage to the inner ear starts the
process of Menir's disease. The injury causes fluid to build up in
the two compartments. The pressure increases and damages the labyrinth. In some
cases, the cochlea is also damaged.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
In most cases, the cause of Menir's disease is not known. There is
some evidence that inflammation in the ear causes poor drainage of fluid.
Possible causes of Menir's disease are as follows:
allergies, particularly
food allergies
an autoimmune disorder
, or condition in which the person's body creates antibodies against its own
tissues
excessive intake of
alcohol or caffeine
excessive
sodium or sugar in the diet
genetic narrowing of parts of the inner ear
head injury
high cholesterol
hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormone
smoking
syphilis, a sexually
transmitted disease, or STD
viral infections of the inner ear
Menir's disease is most common in people
over age 40 and is as common in men as women.
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