Meniere's Disease Specialist in Harley Street, London
Meniere’s disease is characterised by attacks of vertigo that are typically accompanied by nausea and vomiting as well as progressive hearing loss, tinnitus and other autonomic symptoms. During the initial onset of the condition, a person may experience just one symptom which may cause them to conclude the problem will pass on its own. But ignoring symptoms of Meniere’s can be a mistake. If you are beset by symptoms of Meniere’s do not hesitate to book an appointment at Harley Street AVM.
The inner ear is a complex mechanism. When inner ear dysfunction occurs it can create many vexing health conditions, including Ménière’s Disease. People with Ménière’s Disease experience attacks of vertigo that are often accompanied by other symptoms including tinnitus, nausea, vomiting and progressive hearing loss. If you suspect you may have this condition a Ménière’s Disease Specialist in Harley Street, London can help.
Causes of Meniere’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is the result of inner ear dysfunction. While the exact mechanism that produces the onset of Ménière’s disease is not fully understood, research strongly suggests the condition is the result of fluctuations of inner ear fluid caused by obstruction in the ear’s natural drainage system.
It is now believed that Meniere’s disease results, at least in part, from the accumulation of excess fluid in the inner ear. Exactly what causes this “endolymph fluid” to accumulate is still unknown, although recent research has helped narrow down the list of potential causative factors. Those factors include:
An anatomical abnormality that inhibits the drainage of the endolymph fluid.
An abnormal immune system response.
An infection of the inner ear.
A genetic predisposition to the condition.
Diagnosis
Because Meniere’s disease can resemble other conditions such as vestibular migraine making sure you get a proper diagnosis is crucial. The experts at Harley Street AVM will conduct a comprehensive workup including the CVEMP (Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential) test and other specialist testing and imaging.
The end result will be the most accurate diagnosis possible which will enable the physician to formulate a treatment and management regimen that will mitigate any damage from Meniere’s and provide a way back toward robust health.
In order to determine the most effective course of action an accurate diagnosis is imperative. To that end a Ménière’s disease specialist in Harley Street, London may order various hearing and vestibular tests to verify the presence of the disease, including:
- Hearing tests including PTA, Otoacoustic Emissions, Acoustic Reflexes
- Electronystagmogram or videonystagmography (ENG or VNG)
- Video head impulse test (vHIT)
- Cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMP)
- Caloric test
The Ménière’s disease specialist may also conduct tests and scans including specialist MRI scan in order to rule out the presence of other conditions that may be causing the vertigo.
Treatment
There are several treatments that have proven effective in reducing the attacks and effects of Meniere’s whilst mitigating the worst of its symptoms. These include:
Motion sickness medicines
Anti-nausea medicines
Betahistine
Diuretics to address fluid levels in the ear
Steroid injection in the ear
Rehabilitation therapies can also help relieve the symptoms of Ménière’s disease including:
Vestibular rehabilitation to improve balance
Hearing aids to offset hearing loss
In more serious cases surgery may be indicated, but only when less extreme therapies have proven ineffective.
Book an Appointment with a Meniere’s Disease Specialist in Harley Street, London
If you believe you are suffering from Ménière’s disease it is vital that you seek out professional diagnosis and treatment. There is no reason to allow this condition to wreak havoc with your daily life when numerous effective treatments are available. Meniere’s disease is a vexing condition that can cause significant disruption to a person’s everyday life. Early detection and treatment is essential. To book an appointment with the experts at Harley Street AVM fill out the contact form on our booking page, call our clinic on (+44) 020 3480 9630, or write to us at: info@harleyavm.com.
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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care established to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England.
CQC registration is a marker for standards of care. It is a mandatory requirement of all organisations which provide vestibular care or diagnostics.
Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic is fully registered and compliant with all the stringent CQC requirements, ensuring you care is in the best possible hands.
