[Psychosomatic medicine for patients with Meniere's disease].

Abstract

Background: Unpredictable attacks of vertigo with or without emesis, unilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus characterize the inner ear disorder that is classified as part of Meniere's disease (MD). While the pathological final stage with cochleovestibular hydrops seems to be certain as a component of MD, there are many uncertainties with respect to the multifactorial pathogenesis. It is certain that the disease can have effects in addition to the attack, which questions the treatment of things that were previously taken for granted. Persistent perceptual and postural dizziness [19] and reactive psychogenic dizziness [18] can occur, so that during the course of the disease, a mixed picture of organic and psychogenic dizziness can develop. In addition, there is an increased anxiety and depression comorbidity. The course, suffering, and experience of the disease depend essentially on the processing and the active acquisition of coping strategies as well as-also the medical-treatment of the patient(s), who in their distress seek and need a knowledgeable and reliable practitioner at their side.

Objective: The effects on the affected persons and suggestions for the most helpful treatment of Meniere's disease sufferers shall be described here in detail.