Patients who have experienced a blow to the back of the head often report “seeing stars.” Using pathophysiology, explain why this happens.
This may result from damage to the muscles and/or nerves around the eye. This can stem from what is known as convergence insufficiency, the alignment of the eye diverge when trying to focus.
- Otitis media is much more common in infants and young children. Thinking about the structure and function of the ear, explain why this is.
The Eustachian tubes in young children are shorter and more horizontal. This shape encourages fluid to gather behind the eardrum. Also, bacteria and viruses find their way to the middle ear and are stuck there because of the narrow tubes. The immune system in children is also still developing so they are more prone to illness.
- Why does Ménière’s syndrome cause both hearing loss and vertigo?
The cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease appear to be the result of an abnormal amount of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear. Factors that might contribute this to are: improper fluid drainage, abnormal immune response, viral infection, genetic predisposition. Vertigo is caused by a disturbance to the vestibular system, semicircular canals, or cranial nerve VII.
Reference:
Cao, Z., Zhu, C., Zhou, Y., Wang, Y., Chen, M., Ju, Y., & Zhao, X. (2021). Risk factors related to balance disorder for patients with dizziness/vertigo. BMC Neurology, 21(1), 186. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-021-02188-7
Hubert, R. J., & VanMeter, K. C. (2018). Pathophysiology Online for Gould’s Pathophysiology for the Health Professions (6th ed.). Elsevier.
Hussain, K., Murdin, L., Schilder, A. G., & Hussain, K. (n.d.). Restriction of salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake for the treatment of Ménière’s disease or syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 12.
