What causes Ménière's syndrome and how is it treated?
Mar 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
In clinical practice, Meniere syndrome generally refers to Ménière's disease. Ménière's disease may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors, such as mechanical obstruction of the endolymphatic duct, impaired absorption of endolymph, or inner ear ischemia. Treatment options usually include medication, physical therapy, and surgical intervention. Additionally, hearing rehabilitation can help improve symptoms. It is recommended to undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance.
Ménière's syndrome in clinical practice generally refers to Ménière's disease. This condition may be caused by physiological factors or pathological factors, such as mechanical obstruction of the endolymphatic duct and impaired endolymph absorption, inner ear ischemia, etc. It is usually treated with medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.
I. Causes
1. Physiological factors
This may result from frequent heavy physical labor, chronic sleep deprivation, excessive fatigue, or prolonged anxiety, stress, heavy smoking, alcohol consumption, or drinking stimulants such as coffee and strong tea, which may lead to increased production of endolymph, reduced absorption, or drainage impairment, resulting in endolymphatic hydrops (swelling of the membranous labyrinth).
2. Mechanical obstruction of the endolymphatic duct and impaired endolymph absorption
This may be due to congenital narrowing within the longitudinal flow of the endolymph or poor development of the endolymphatic sac, causing mechanical blockage or impaired absorption in the endolymphatic duct, leading to endolymphatic hydrops.
3. Inner ear ischemia
This may occur when there is vasospasm or functional disturbance in the blood vessels of the inner ear, causing circulatory disorders in the endolymphatic sac. Local tissues suffer from ischemia, hypoxia, and metabolic disturbances, allowing fluid from the perilymph and bloodstream to enter the membranous labyrinth, resulting in endolymphatic hydrops.
In addition, conditions such as leukemia may also contribute. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
II. Treatment
1. Medication
Patients can typically use vestibular suppressants under a doctor’s guidance to control acute vertigo attacks, such as diazepam tablets, diphenhydramine hydrochloride tablets, or promethazine hydrochloride tablets.
2. Physical therapy
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises conducted with the help of a specialized physician can also be used to improve balance function and alleviate dizziness.
3. Surgical treatment
If the above treatments are ineffective, surgical options such as vestibular nerve section or labyrinthectomy may be considered based on medical advice.
In addition, hearing rehabilitation may also help improve symptoms. It is recommended to choose an appropriate treatment method under the guidance of a physician.
