Ménière’s Disease Roadmap – Navigating Diagnosis and Management in Watertown, CT

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Characteristic symptoms of Ménière’s disease encompass vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear, often presenting in intermittent episodes lasting from minutes to several hours. Hearing loss, predominantly affecting lower frequencies initially, may progress over time, eventually encompassing higher tones. Diagnosis involves a comprehensive assessment of medical history, along with various tests, including audiometric examinations and balance assessments like electronystagmography (ENG) to evaluate inner ear function.

Understanding the Causes

The exact cause of Ménière’s disease remains elusive, but it is attributed to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, leading to increased pressure. Factors such as allergies, autoimmune disorders, and other underlying health conditions may contribute to its onset. Individuals with Ménière’s disease often find their symptoms exacerbated by stress and fatigue, indicating a complex interplay of environmental and physiological factors.

Treatment Options

While there is currently no cure for Ménière’s disease, management focuses on controlling vertigo episodes and alleviating associated symptoms. Treatment modalities may include adopting a low-salt diet, diuretic medications to regulate fluid retention, and anti-vertigo medications to mitigate acute attacks. In certain cases, intratympanic injections or surgical interventions may be considered to manage symptoms refractory to conservative measures.