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Intratympanic Steroid Injections
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There are many ear problems which are related to inflammation. These include certain causes of dizziness and sudden hearing loss. As a result patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs such as oral steroids to combat these maladies. Although this has been shown to be effective, it has also been associated with undesired side effects such as upset stomach, increased blood sugar as well as mood changes and insomnia. Instilling small amounts of steroids directly into the ear drum has all of the effects of oral treatments while having the advantages of avoiding many of these side effects. What is more, intratympanic steroids are injected directly into the site of the problem. These injections have been shown to be effective in diseases such as Meniere's disease where the culprit is believed to be swelling of the inner ear membranes (for more information click here), and in sudden hearing loss where inflammation is thought to contribute to the damage to the inner ear. In both completed and ongoing clinical trials steroid injections have shown efficacy in a high percentage of patients. The procedure is virtually painless and takes only a few minutes. In order to allow the steroids to penetrate the inner ear membrane you will be asked to lay down for about 20 minutes. Injections can be repeated if the patient experiences significant benefit.
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