Marcus is 45 years old and has a sudden onset of dizziness and balancing problem
ID: 3510814 • Letter: M
Question
Marcus is 45 years old and has a sudden onset of dizziness and balancing problems. Marcus is seen in the emergency room where further questioning reveals he has been experiencing ringing in his ears for several weeks, possibly months, but has been “just dealing with it”. Marcus’ hearing test comes back slightly abnormal but not concerning. What diagnosis might Marcus be given? What treatment options are available to Marcus? Discuss whether or not Marcus’ problem will get worse in time or resolve. Support your answers using critical thinking and application of reading materials and research.
Explanation / Answer
The patient in the given question with given symtoms of dizziness, balancing problems, tinnitus for several weeks is suffering from Menieres disease.
Menieres disease- it is a disorder of inner ear that causes vertigo. Other symtoms include dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, imbalance, motion sickness etc. Treatment includes medication like diuretics, antihistamines, sedative. Self Care precautions includes low sodium diet, and avoidance of caffeine, tobacco and chocolate. Hearing aids may be beneficial for severe cases.
In the given case, if the disease remained untreated the condition of the patient will get worse in time because in this disease there is increased inner ear pressure which if untreated causes damage to inner ear nerve and vestibule and organ of corti. So hearing and balance both are affected in untreated cases of Menieres disease.