SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Episodic vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Ear pressure or fullness
- Progressive hearing loss over time
- Disability because of sudden severe attacks of
vertigo with nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
- Sense of fullness in the ear may precede an attack.
- Feeling of being “pulled” to the ground.
- Attacks may last hours or days and may occur
several times a year.
ETIOLOGY
- progressive disorder leading to an
accumulation of endolymph in the
membranous labyrinth.
- Usually affects only one ear, but can
affect both.
- Unknown cause
- Genetic factors may play a role.
Symptoms begin 30-60 years of age
- Women more likely to be affected.
SURGICAL THERAPY
• Endolymphatic sac
decompression
• Endolymphatic shunt
• Labyrinthectomy
• Vestibular nerve
section
MANAGEMENT
• Anticholinergics
• Antihistamines
• Antiemetics
• Benzodiazepines
• Corticosteroids
DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
• History and physical examination
• Studies (including speech discrimination, tone decay)
• Vestibular tests (including caloric test, positional test)
• Electronystagmography
• Glycerol test
MENIERE’S DISEASE
AMBULATORY CARE
• Diuretics
• Corticosteroids
• Dietary restriction of sodium,
caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
• Stress reduction techniques
NURSING INTERVENTIONS
- Minimize vertigo
- Provide patient safety
- Keep patient in a quiet,
darkened room, and in a
comfortable position
- Emesis basin for vomiting
- Keep side rails up to
minimize fall risk
- Keep bed in low position.
- Give medications and
fluids parenterally
- Monitor intake and output
- Help patient ambulate post
attacks because
unsteadiness may remain.
Charles Martinez
N265
April 24, 2022
PATIENT EDUCATION
- Avoid sudden head movements and
positions changes
- Close eyes until vertigo stops
- Avoid fluorescent or flickering lights and
televisions, may worsen symptoms.
- Call for help when getting out of bed