Diagnosing Meniere's Disease
Any Meniere’s symptoms can be indications of other diseases or medical problems, so it is important to get an official diagnosis. The disease is usually marked by an abnormal amount of fluid in the inner ear, a condition that is only discovered during autopsies. However, not every medical professional is convinced that fluid is the cause of Meniere’s disease, and there is still much debate over its cause.
If fluid is the cause, the volume of fluid may be affected by several factors, including:
1) Improper drainage – Fluid usually is present in the inner ear, but if there is a blockage or other inability to clear it, problems can arise
2) Allergies – Some allergic reactions cause fluid buildup, but it usually drains. With Meniere’s, something blocks it.
3) Abnormal immune response – The fluid buildup may indicate that something has changed normal reactions to outside stimulus.
4) Viral infection – This may explain the fact that Meniere’s disease comes and goes.
5) Genetic predisposition – Because Meniere’s tends to run in families, there may be a gene grouping that triggers the disease.
6) Head trauma – This would fall under the blockage or inability to clear fluid. Sharp blows to the head obviously have the potential to change delicate pathways.