Generally, Ménière's syndrome affects only one ear, but it is not excluded that - after some time - the disease can affect both ears.
For further information: Ménière syndrome (also called hydrope) in the inner ear or labyrinth, which we remember being composed of the cochlea (the organ of hearing) and the vestibule (the organ of balance).The accumulation of endolymph causes an increase in pressure in the inner ear, causes cell damage and impairs the transmission of the nerve signal between the inner ear and the brain.
The triggering cause of this accumulation of endolymph has not yet been fully clarified, but it seems that the main risk factors for the onset of the disease are genetic predisposition, the presence of pre-existing autoimmune diseases (such as, for example, lupus erythematosus systemic or rheumatoid arthritis), migraines, allergies, head injuries or trauma to the ear and, in some cases, syphilis.
, loss of balance, nausea and vomiting, hearing loss, a feeling of "closed ear" and tinnitus (or tinnitus). In addition, cold sweats and arterial hypotension may also appear.
Finally, in rarer cases, nystagmus and sudden fainting may occur, but without loss of consciousness.
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms present themselves as transient attacks. However, as the disease progresses, some of these symptoms can become permanent. This is the case with dizziness and hearing loss which can progress to total deafness. Furthermore, the decrease in the quality of life of patients - caused by the continuous recurrence of the attacks - can favor the onset of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
may help in decreasing the symptoms caused by Ménière's syndrome.For further information: Diet for Ménière's Syndrome
In the most serious cases and in patients in which conservative therapy is not able to control the symptoms of the disease, it is possible to consider resorting to the intratympanic administration of gentamicin or to surgery.
