Meniere Syndrome

How is Meniere Syndrome diagnosed?

See how Meniere Syndrome is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Meniere Syndrome

Diagnosing Meniere Syndrome

Meniere Syndrome is a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. It is characterized by recurring episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. Diagnosing Meniere Syndrome can be challenging as its symptoms can mimic other conditions. However, there are several key diagnostic methods that healthcare professionals use to identify this condition.

Medical History and Physical Examination

The first step in diagnosing Meniere Syndrome is a thorough medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider will ask about the patient's symptoms, their frequency and duration, and any triggers that may be associated with the episodes. They will also inquire about the patient's medical history, including any previous ear infections or head injuries.

During the physical examination, the healthcare provider will assess the patient's balance, coordination, and eye movements. They will also examine the ears using an otoscope to check for any abnormalities or signs of infection.

Hearing Tests

Hearing tests, also known as audiometric tests, are crucial in diagnosing Meniere Syndrome. These tests evaluate the patient's hearing ability and can help determine the extent of hearing loss. The two most common hearing tests used are:

Pure-tone audiometry: This test involves wearing headphones and listening to tones at different frequencies and volumes. The patient indicates when they can hear the tones, allowing the healthcare provider to create an audiogram that shows the patient's hearing thresholds.

Speech audiometry: This test assesses the patient's ability to hear and understand speech. The patient listens to words or sentences at different volumes and repeats them back. This helps determine the patient's speech reception threshold and word recognition score.

Vestibular Tests

Vestibular tests are designed to evaluate the patient's balance and the function of the inner ear. These tests can help differentiate Meniere Syndrome from other balance disorders. Some common vestibular tests include:

Videonystagmography (VNG): This test measures eye movements using infrared cameras to assess the function of the vestibular system. The patient may be asked to track moving objects with their eyes or perform specific head movements while wearing goggles.

Caloric testing: This test involves irrigating the ear canal with warm or cool water to stimulate the inner ear. The resulting eye movements are recorded and analyzed to evaluate the function of the vestibular system.

Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP): This test measures the response of certain muscles in the neck or eyes to sound or vibration stimuli. It helps assess the integrity of the vestibular system.

Imaging Tests

In some cases, imaging tests may be necessary to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans can help visualize the structures of the inner ear and rule out tumors or other abnormalities.

Diagnostic Criteria

There are specific diagnostic criteria established by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to aid in the diagnosis of Meniere Syndrome. These criteria include:

Two or more spontaneous episodes of vertigo lasting at least 20 minutes each

Hearing loss confirmed by audiometry in the affected ear

Tinnitus or aural fullness in the affected ear

Exclusion of other known causes of these symptoms

Consultation with Specialists

In complex cases or when the diagnosis is uncertain, healthcare providers may refer patients to specialists such as otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) or neurologists. These specialists have expertise in diagnosing and managing inner ear disorders, including Meniere Syndrome.

It is important to note that diagnosing Meniere Syndrome can be challenging due to the variability of symptoms and the need to rule out other conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

by Diseasemaps

ENT doctors documenting all the symptoms followed by spin chair and cold water into ears. symptoms need to be recorded almost daily and hourly. symptoms are worse on heavy pollen days and get worse as the day get longer

2/21/17 by Kathy 1000

The caloric test is said to be the most effective diagnostic tool for menieres, however if the four main symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, aural fullness and hearing loss are all present and an MRI Is done to rule out other causes such at tumours, cyst or abnormal bone growth then most doctors consider this a diagnosis

3/16/17 by noel 1000

Symptoms are crucial in the diagnosis. The two main symptoms are vertigo coupled with hearing loss. A hearing test is a good indicator. An MRI may be used to rule out other causes. There isn't a specific test to diagnose Meniere's

4/26/17 by Lisa 1000

First thing is the doctor check to see if you have a sinus or ear infection then rules out any growths like tumors by MRI or CT Scans. Next the doctor will ask for a medical history because other illnesses could cause some of the same Meniere's symptoms. Vertigo could be cause many other issues. Then a Ear auto test will be given to see how your hear has been affected & how much you have lost. Your asked if you hear any ringing & for how long. Mine is 24/7 but has I feel an attack coming it gets louder. Another question is, does vertigo only happen when you move your head a certain way? You could have a simple issue of crystals in the inner ear that are loose. Does your vertigo get triggered by eye movement? After factoring all these things that's how I was diagnosed. The more you can talk with your doctor the better. Meniere's is not like a physical disease like cancer. I didn't a lot of research then talked with my doctor. Sometimes we get so focus on one issues that we tend to not look at others. I found out my airborne allergies are problem & the doctor did mean there are studies linking allergies & Meniere's? If you find the doctor is not open to suggestion then get a new one. I when 4 doctors before I got the right treatment.

5/10/17 by Naomi 500

Hearing test, rotatory chair, MRI, symptoms, posturography

10/5/17 by Carole 2000

Diagnosed by elimination of other conditions such as tumors, migraines, ms, etc. then test are done to determine the inner ear function and hearing loss

6/5/18 by Beth 4050

Usually a balance test, hearing test and ear pressure test.

6/24/18 by Ariel 3000

I will find out in October of 2018

6/24/18 by Greg 3000

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You should go to a otoneurólogo that is an ent doctor with a specialization in the relationship of the ear to the nervous system. Some of the tests used are the videonistagmografía, electrococleografía and audiometry.

2/22/17 by Axel. Translated

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Mris, tests caloricas, nistasmografias, TAC, are the q I remember

2/22/17 by Nadia. Translated

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Several tests, the worse the chair and the water in the ears. An ent in my case. And do a brain scan before to eliminate other causes of dizziness.

2/22/17 by Gene. Translated

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Magnetic resonance imaging, audiometrias, testing, vestibular

2/22/17 by Xose Liz. Translated

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Performing tests of dizziness, hearing...

5/10/17 by . Translated

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Visit to the primary care physician,ent doctor and specialist in hospital.It neurologo,orthopedic.The tests are : test of hearing, with noises,with words and numbers,tomography,test of balance,turn the head and check the dizziness,to observe movement of the eyes in dizziness.

5/19/17 by Maria Elena. Translated

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Testing vestibular And the triad of vertigo, acufenos, and hearing loss There is a test feten to diagnose it

8/23/17 by . Translated

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The specialist otorinolaringoiatra after a test audiometrico, magnetic resonance imaging(to rule out any other pathology) evidence of walking in the same spot with eyes closed, insertion of cold water in the affected ear to see answers in the eyes

9/19/17 by Rafael. Translated

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