生活習慣・ストレスの関与 (メニエール病)

抄録

From numerous clinical investigations and questionnaire surveys, I have obtained the following results regarding Meniere's disease. 1. Patients with Meniere's disease, as compared to the control population, differ little in lifestyles or daily anxieties, but possess significantly (p<0.01) stronger self-inhibition and engrossment. Meniere's disease may be caused by discontent with others' expression of gratitude or appraisal. 2. Low-tone sensorineural hearing loss, which resembles Meniere's disease except in not being associated with vertigo, is a milder form of Meniere's disease that occurs when the causative factors, both personal and environmental, are less severe or more transient. 3. Methods for prevention and therapy of Meniere's disease have been provided by our studies. Patients should be instructed (1) to understand the causative factors, (2) to decrease self-inhibition and not be concerned about others' expression of gratitude or appraisal, (3) to sleep well and to perform aerobic exercises, and (4) to enjoy chatting, singing or hobbies. 4. Long-lasting 60-dB hearing loss recovered to normal hearing in a 66-year-old patient with Meniere's disease after he performed aerobic exercises three times a week for several months. The results in this case suggest that the most important aspect in the treatment of Meniere's disease is increase of the local blood flow, which can be achieved by continuous aerobic exercises.