Meniere’s disease; is an increase in pressure of the inner ear fluids. It is also known as inner ear tension.
Meniere’s disease is a disease characterized by severe vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus.
Meniere’s disease occurs as a result of dysfunction of the labyrinth, a fluid-filled organ in the inner ear responsible for balance and hearing. The main cause of the disease is the increase in the fluid in the inner ear and the pressure of this fluid.
Pressure increase may develop due to the fact that the production of fluid is more than excretion or there is a blockage in the channels where the inner ear fluids are discharged.
Although the reason is not known exactly, some factors are blamed. Virus infections, allergies, autoimmune mechanisms and genetic structure are some of them.
Meniere’s disease is more common in middle age and older age.
Diagnosis:
1. At least two episodes of vertigo lasting longer than 20 minutes and less than 24 hours
2. Ringing or a feeling of fullness in the ear
3. Hearing loss confirmed by hearing tests
4. These symptoms have not developed due to another known disease
Vertigo: It is a very severe dizziness. The person feels as if he is going to fall even while lying in bed and clings to the bed tightly. Nausea and vomiting, which are generally seen in vertigo, are also seen in this disease. Vertigo comes in attacks and lasts from 20 minutes to several hours. The most important finding that can be seen in the patient during attacks of dizziness is involuntary eye movements called nystagmus
Tinnitus: Sounds in the form of buzzing, ringing, noise, roaring or whistling are heard in the ear.
Hearing loss: Hearing loss, which is temporary at the beginning of the disease, becomes permanent as the attacks increase.
Sensation of fullness in the ear: It is expressed as a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
During attacks of Meniere’s disease, symptoms such as palpitation, sweating, panic and fear of death may also be seen. These symptoms can sometimes be confused with panic attacks.
Treatment
It is a disease that cannot be cured because its cause is not fully understood. Medications to prevent vertigo attacks, salt restriction, and diuretics can be used in treatment. In most of the treatment methods, temporary and partial improvements are achieved instead of full success.
Acupuncture Treatment in Meniere’s Disease:
Edema-solving effect of ear and body acupuncture restores balance in a positive way.
As a result of the blood pressure balancing effect of acupuncture, sudden pressure changes are also prevented.
Depression disappears with acupuncture treatment, and sleep patterns return to normal. Attacks triggered by such factors are prevented.
It has been shown that as a result of stimulating acupuncture points with needles, some neuromediators in the central nervous system and changes in cerebral blood flow.
With acupuncture, the balance in the body’s energy flow is tried to be achieved.
