Do you have information on the autoimmune disease that mimic's Meneire's Disease?

Question

My son has been dealing with Meneire's disease since he's been 12--not diagnosed until 15. He's had two endolymphatic sac reduction surgeries--one on each ear. He still displays symptoms at time of the disease with the nausea, dizzy spells, and hearing loss. On a recent visit to his Otolaynologist, he told him that he was sending him to a specialist on autoimmune disease that acts like Meneire's. My son is 25 and at this point we are very confused since we've been convinced for 13 years that he has Meneire's and he has been treated for it. Do you have any information that might help us understand this? Thanks. Sandy

Answer 1

There are around 80 autoimmune diseases. Many of them have similar symtpoms and most appear in overlap with other conditions. Many autoimmune diseases cannot be diagnosed by a single lab test. Most autoimmune diseases require diagnosis by an experienced rheumatologist because the diagnosis is based on the patient's medical history, family history, labs and tests and symptoms. I suggest you start at the web site below-the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association. I would also ask for a referral to a pediatric rheumatologist.

Answer 2

There are a variety of diseases that are able to mimic Meniere’s disease. I mention some here:-
Blood tests may be ordered in patients to rule out other disorders that can mimic Meniere's disease, Syphilis being one of them. In addition, a new experimental blood test may have promise in identifying patients with a form of Meniere's disease that is caused by the patient's immune system turning on and attacking their inner ear. Posterior fossa arachnoid cyst must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of Meniere's disease. Positional Vertigo, which is a very treatable condition, can also mimic Meniere's Disease. Another mimic of Meniere's Disease is Endolymphatic sac tumor.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your head and body. Your doctor can use these detailed, clear images to identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions. MRI may be performed to rule out central nervous system disorders that can mimic Meniere's disease, such as acoustic neuroma (a noncancerous brain tumor of the acoustic nerve, which carries sound from the inner ear to the brain), Arnold-Chiari malformation and multiple sclerosis. So, really, there are many diseases that mimic other diseases. To be sure, if you need to obtain more information, you should speak with your doctor
Hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 3

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