Can Meniere's disease be cured?

Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Meniere's disease is a common ENT disorder, and in principle, Meniere's disease can be cured, but it is prone to recurrent attacks. We also call Meniere's disease as endolymphatic hydrops, which is caused by swelling of the inner ear's labyrinth and leads to episodic vertigo. Additionally, the main symptoms in patients are fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus. During an attack, it is crucial for patients to visit the hospital promptly for a diagnosis, involving cranial MRI and high-resolution CT scans of the temporal bone, to confirm the disease and exclude intracranial and auditory nerve tumor occupancy. Currently, the main treatments involve using vestibular suppressant and vasodilating medications to improve symptoms of vertigo and hearing loss.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Does Meniere's disease spread?

Meniere's disease is not contagious. The occurrence of Meniere's disease is due to the stimulation of the inner ear caused by fluid accumulation in the inner ear labyrinth, leading to symptoms such as fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, ear fullness, and vertigo. The pathogenesis of Meniere's disease is not yet fully understood. When symptoms such as vertigo occur, it is important to visit a hospital promptly for comprehensive diagnostic tests, including cranial MRI, high-resolution CT of the temporal bone, and pure tone audiometry, to confirm the diagnosis, exclude cervical vertigo and cerebrovascular insufficiency in the posterior circulation, and under the guidance of a specialist, use vasodilators, nerve-nourishing agents, and vestibular suppressants to alleviate related symptoms like vertigo.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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What is good to eat usually for Ménière's disease?

Ménière's disease is a common inner ear disorder that causes vertigo. Clinically, it is divided into two periods: an acute attack period and a quiescent period. Regarding the diet for Ménière's disease, first and foremost, the diet should be light, similar to fish, shrimp, seafood, while it is best to minimize or avoid consumption of alcohol, spicy foods such as chili peppers. Secondly, it is important to be aware of other items such as coffee and tea, which are stimulants and should ideally be avoided as they can affect the sleep patterns of patients with Ménière's disease. Thirdly, as previously mentioned, foods that are common allergens like fish, shrimp, and seafood should also be consumed in moderation.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can you drink alcohol with Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is a relatively common inner ear disorder, primarily caused by the accumulation of fluid in the inner lymph sac. It presents with various symptoms, most commonly dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. It is recommended to eat more vegetables and fruits, and to follow a light diet. Alcohol should be avoided as it has a strong irritant effect, and drinking can potentially trigger an acute attack of Meniere's disease. Additionally, smoking, drinking coffee or strong tea, and consuming cola should also be avoided. These unhealthy lifestyle habits can potentially worsen the condition, and some patients may need to consider surgical treatment.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How is Meniere's disease diagnosed?

Ménière's disease is a relatively common otolaryngology condition. It is recommended to visit an otolaryngology clinic upon onset, where various supplementary tests should be conducted. Commonly used tests include hearing tests, cochlear electrograms, and MRI of the inner ear. Some patients may also need to undergo vestibular function tests. With these supplementary tests and clinical symptoms, combined with the doctor's experience, a definitive diagnosis can be made. In terms of treatment, most patients may opt for conservative medication. Oral medications are commonly used, but for some patients with severe conditions and clear clinical symptoms who do not respond well to standard medical treatment, surgery may need to be considered.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Is Meniere's disease contagious?

Meniere's disease is a relatively common inner ear disorder and is not an infectious disease, nor is it contagious. There are various possible causes of Meniere's disease; it may be related to genetic factors or possibly due to exposure to external irritants. The specific cause of the disease varies from person to person. After the onset of the disease, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist. Tests such as audiological exams, ear endoscopy, vestibular function tests, and MRI of the inner ear can be conducted. These diagnostic tests, combined with the doctor's clinical experience, help in assessing the severity of the condition. Most patients may opt for conservative treatment with medications, but a small number of patients may not respond well to medication and might need to consider surgery. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)