Horatio has just found out, after his yearly physical examination for work, that he has Meniere's disease. Discuss Meniere's disease

Question

a. What is it?
b. How does it affect a person afflicted with this disorder?
c. Is it treatable? If so, how?

Answer 1

Students' answers should include the following:
a. Endolymphatic hydrops, fluctuations in fluid volume, and pressure of the endolymphatic sac of the inner ear
b. Leads to a triad of hearing loss
Vertigo, tinnitus, and usually affects only one ear
Affects men and women equally
Involves a primary lesion in the endolymphatic sac
Pathology includes the following:
• Increased production of endolymph
• Decreased production of perilymph
• Compensatory increase in the volume of the endolymphatic sac
• Decreased absorption of endolymph from malfunction/blockage of pathways
Viral infections are usually blamed for this disorder.
S/s may be sudden.
Whirling dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and nystagmus from eye movements
c. Treatment is reducing fluid production in inner ear, treating symptoms, and facilitating drainage.
Drugs include meclizine, diazepam, promethazine, and diuretics; dietary management