Are Ménière's disease and Meniere's disease the same condition?

Dec 03, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

Ménière's disease and Meniere's disease are the same condition. "Meniere's disease" is a former name for Ménière's disease, and both terms refer to the same illness. Meniere's disease is an idiopathic inner ear disorder primarily caused by pathological changes leading to endolymphatic hydrops in the membranous labyrinth. After diagnosis, patients can follow medical advice and receive symptomatic treatment accordingly.

Meniere's disease and Ménière's disease are the same condition.

Ménière's disease is a former name for Meniere's disease; both terms refer to the same illness. Meniere's disease is an idiopathic inner ear disorder primarily caused by pathological changes leading to endolymphatic hydrops (fluid accumulation in the membranous labyrinth). After onset, patients experience recurrent episodes of vertigo, along with sensations of ear pressure and pain. In severe cases, it may lead to tinnitus, hearing loss, or even complete deafness. Once symptoms appear, patients should follow medical advice for symptomatic treatment. During acute episodes, medications such as scopolamine butylbromide capsules or diphenhydramine injection may be used, while patients with chronic-phase disease typically require betahistine oral solution.

During treatment, patients need to adjust and relieve their stress levels, alleviate mental tension, and avoid excessive anxiety, which may worsen the condition.

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Do patients with Ménière's disease need to take medication long-term?

Ménière's disease usually does not require long-term medication. It is a disorder characterized by endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear and typically consists of two phases: the acute phase and the intermission phase. During an attack, symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, and vomiting may occur and last for about 10 minutes. In the intermission phase, symptoms are generally mild or even absent. Therefore, medication is only needed during acute episodes to relieve symptoms, under the guidance of a physician.

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Is Meniere's disease considered a serious illness?

In general, Ménière's disease is not considered a serious illness. Ménière's disease is an idiopathic inner ear disorder primarily characterized by symptoms such as vertigo, vision deterioration, tinnitus, and diplopia. It may be caused by factors including bacterial infection, viral infection, autoimmune disorders, or endocrine and metabolic diseases. Since Ménière's disease does not threaten life, it is not regarded as a major illness.