Endolymphatic hydrops
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Endolymphatic hydrops is a disorder of the vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear. Endolymphatic hydrops consists of abnormal fluctuations in the endolymph fluid, which fills the hearing and balance structures of the inner ear. These fluctuations cause an increase in pressure in the endolymphatic system of the inner ear. Endolymph fluid, which is regulated by the endolymph sac, flows through the inner ear and is critical to hearing. In addition to water, endolymph fluid contains salts such as sodium, potassium, chloride and other electrolytes. If the inner ear is damaged by disease or injury, the volume and composition of the endolymph fluid can also change, causing the symptoms of endolymphatic hydrops.[1]
Contents
Symptoms
The symptoms of endolymphatic hydrops include the feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance problems. Individuals who have Meniere’s disease have a very severe form of endolymphatic hydrops, but individuals with endolymphatic hydrops do not always progress to Meniere’s disease.[2]
Cause
Endolymphatic hydrops may occur as a result of trauma such as a blow to the head, infection, degeneration of the inner ear, allergies, dehydration and loss of electrolytes or in rare circumstances a benign tumor. In many cases, it is not clear what causes the disorder. Meniere’s attacks occur when there is an increase in endolymphatic pressure in the inner ear, causing a leak in the membrane separating the perilymph (potassium poor extracellular fluid) and the endolymph (potassium rich intracellular fluid). The mix of these two fluids surrounding the vestibular nerve receptors creates an electrical blockade and a loss of function. The sudden change in the rate of the vestibular nerve firing creates acute vestibular imbalance otherwise known as vertigo.[3]
Treatment
It is necessary to know first the cause of the endolymphatic hydrops for its treatment. In the meanwhile, the treatment for Meniere's disease should be used.
