Is Ménière's disease the same as ear stone disease?

Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Meniere's disease is not the same as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV); they are two different types of disorders. Meniere's disease is primarily caused by fluid accumulation in the labyrinth, leading to episodic vertigo that typically lasts from 20 minutes to half a day. Most patients may also experience tinnitus and hearing loss, and in severe cases, nausea and vomiting. Overall, it is a common disease that tends to recur. Most patients can control and alleviate their symptoms through medication, but a small proportion may not respond well to medication and might need to consider surgical treatment. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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How to alleviate Meniere's disease attacks?

Ménière's disease is a relatively common otolaryngological condition, primarily caused by the accumulation of fluid in the inner lymphatic sac. During the acute phase, it may cause symptoms such as tinnitus, hearing loss, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. If the condition is not particularly severe, some patients can alleviate their symptoms by ensuring rest and avoiding external stimuli. If the condition is more serious, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist. Generally, treatment considerations include oral anti-vertigo medications, and some patients may need to consider using diuretics or corticosteroids. Most patients gradually improve with timely medication treatment. (Please follow the doctor's prescription when taking medication.)

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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 Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Precautions for Meniere's Disease

The first consideration for Ménière's disease is to try to avoid emotional fluctuations and maintain a pleasant mood. Emotional fluctuations can potentially trigger an acute attack of Ménière’s disease. Secondly, one should avoid noisy environments as much as possible, ensure rest, and improve sleep. Thirdly, in daily life, avoid consuming coffee, strong tea, cola, and try not to eat stimulating foods, as these factors may induce or aggravate the existing condition. Fourthly, regular check-ups at an otolaryngology (ENT) department are necessary to monitor any changes in hearing, as some patients might experience a gradual decline in hearing.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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The main symptoms of Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease is a relatively common ENT disorder, primarily caused by fluid accumulation in the labyrinth. It presents with various clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include recurrent vertigo, which usually lasts for several hours. There may also be tinnitus, a feeling of ear fullness, and decreased hearing. Severe cases may experience nausea and vomiting. In terms of treatment, most patients can be managed with medications, and dietary adjustments are also necessary, including no smoking, no alcohol, low salt diet, and avoiding emotional stress. If standard medication treatment is ineffective, surgical treatment may be considered. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.)