Response:

Vestibular disorders are balance-related conditions originating from the 8th cranial nerve and its connections. Damage to this system leads to erroneous signal transmission, causing loss of balance, blurred vision, dizziness, and tinnitus. Vestibular disorders are categorized into peripheral and central types.

Consuming too much salt can exacerbate the symptoms of Meniere's disease, a form of peripheral vestibular disorder. This condition involves the accumulation of a large amount of fluid within the inner ear's labyrinthine system.

The membranous labyrinth is filled with a fluid called endolymph. The wave-like movement of endolymph within the labyrinthine system ensures the balance function of the vestibular system. In Meniere's disease, excessive endolymph accumulation in the labyrinth impedes both balance and auditory signals between the inner ear and the brain, leading to dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

When a person consumes a lot of salt, the body tends to retain water to maintain osmotic pressure. Concurrently, the concentration of aldosterone hormone in the blood tends to decrease, impairing the endolymphatic sac's ability to absorb endolymph. These two factors combine to increase fluid retention in the inner ear, raising labyrinthine pressure and aggravating symptoms.

Vertigo attacks tend to recur if endolymphatic pressure continues to build up and fluctuate. In addition to dizziness, patients may also experience headaches as the nervous system constantly adjusts to compensate for erroneous balance signals, prolonging the vestibular rehabilitation process.

Patients undergo vestibular function testing using the Interacoutics system with videonystagmography (VNG) technology, which incorporates AI. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Patients undergo vestibular function testing using the Interacoutics system with videonystagmography (VNG) technology, which incorporates AI. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Reducing salt in one's diet helps control dizziness caused by Meniere's disease. However, it is not necessary to completely eliminate salt, as sodium is a mineral that regulates many essential bodily functions such as fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.

To date, Meniere's disease still lacks an optimal treatment method. Several approaches help control vertigo attacks, including medication (diuretics, anti-dizziness drugs, transtympanic corticosteroid injections), cognitive therapy, and dietary adjustments such as low salt intake and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

To reduce salt in your diet, you should avoid processed foods high in sodium and opt for bland flavors instead of overly salty seasonings. If changes in eating habits and lifestyle do not alleviate recurrent dizziness, progressive hearing loss, or persistent tinnitus, patients should seek medical consultation for proper evaluation and treatment.

Master, Doctor, Level II Specialist Pham Thai Duy

Ear, Nose, and Throat Center

Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM