Answer to Mystery Diagnosis #1:
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that affects hearing as well as balance. Meniere’s disease occurs when a part of the ear canal called the endolymphatic sac is swollen. The endolymphatic sac filters and removes fluid in the semicircular canals, or labyrinths.
The exact cause of Meniere’s is unknown. However, genetics may play a role (lucky for me). Risk factors can include; allergies, stress, fatigue, viral illnesses, alcohol use, and smoking. Approximately 50,000 and 100,000 people a year are diagnosed with Meniere’s disease (PubMed Health, 2010).
Again, signs and symptoms include: constant high pitched ringing, vertigo attacks, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and hearing loss.Tests that can done in order to diagnosis Meniere’s are; CT scan, MRI scan, hearing tests, and electronystagmography.
There is no known cure for Meniere’s disease. However, some treatments can relieve some symptoms of Meniere’s. These treatments include; a low sodium diet, diuretics, avoiding bright lights and sudden movements, exercise, get adequate sleep, and limit caffeine and alcohol.
My mom was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease 15 years ago and she still experiences constant ringing in her right ear. She has managed her vertigo attacks by taking diuretics and is on a low sodium diet.
Work's Cited
"Meniere’s Disease - PubMed Health." Meniere's Disease. 3 Aug. 2010. Web. 19 Sept. 2011.
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001721/>.
I am an Art History Major and find your information on Van Gogh's Meniere's Disease very interesting! Here's some additional medical research directly related to Van Gogh:
ReplyDeleteInternational Meniere's Disease Research Institute, Colorado Neurologic Institute, Englewood 80110.
Abstract
We intend to correct the historical error that Vincent Van Gogh's medical problems resulted from epilepsy plus madness, a diagnosis made during his life but for which no rigid criteria are apparent. Review of 796 personal letters to family and friends written between 1884 and his suicide in 1890 reveals a man constantly in control of his reason and suffering from severe repeated attacks of disabling vertigo, not a seizure disorder. His own diagnosis of epilepsy was made from the written diagnosis by Dr Peyron, the physician at the asylum of St Remy (France), wherein on May 9, 1889, Van Gogh voluntarily committed himself to the asylum for epileptics and lunatics. However, the clinical descriptions in his letters are those of a person suffering from Meniere's disease, not epilepsy. The authors point out that Prosper Meniere's description of his syndrome (an inner-ear disorder) was not well known when Van Gogh died and that it often was misdiagnosed as epilepsy well into the 20th century.
I really enjoyed the stream line, straight to the point writing style which not only accentuates the writers clear understanding of the disease but her knack for analysis and organization. The mystery of the painter and the mystery of Menieres go hand in hand and makes a normally bland subject very interesting. I look forward to following this blog and guessing more diseases!
ReplyDeleteInteresting, I have high pitched ringing from external damage, and when I'm doing all nighters especially it gets worse. Good to know it's the lack of sleep and caffeine.
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