Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Causes of Ménière’s disease

The labyrinth is a hollow that controls balance. It consists of the cochlea (the hearing organ), the vestibule (central cavity) and semicircular canals. All three parts are connected and filled with a fluid known as the endolymph.

In Ménière’s disease the pressure of the endolymph in the labyrinth sometimes rises to abnormally high levels. The reason for this is unknown. As a result, both the hearing and the balancing mechanisms are affected. At first the effects are temporary, but as the attacks continue to occur and the pressure in the labyrinth is raised for a long period of time, permanent damage is done to both functions of the inner ear.

Other factors, that may contribute to the development of Ménière’s disease, but have not been proven, include:

• viral infection;
• injury to the inner ear;
• arterial disease;
• thyroid hormone deficiency (see article on Hypothyroidism);
• oestrogen deficiency;
• pituitary gland malfunction;
• adrenal gland malfunction;
• history of migraine; and
• food allergy.

Approximately 8% of people with Ménière’s disease have a family history of the disease (2).

• Macular degenerationMagnesium testMalariaMale contraceptive pillMalignant melanomaMalnutritionMarfan syndromeMastectomyMastitisMénière’s diseaseMeaslesMeningitisMenopauseMental healthMental health servicesMental health specialist servicesMicroalbumin testMigraineMiscarriageMMRMobile phone safetyMolesMolluscum contagiosumMorning sicknessMotor neurone diseaseMouth ulcerMRI scanMRSAMucositisMultiple myelomaMultiple sclerosisMumpsMunchausen’s syndromeMuscular dystrophyMyasthenia gravis

  ---