Endolymphatic hydrops is a disorder of the inner ear. It consists of an excessive build-up of the endolymph fluid, which fills the hearing and balance structures of the inner ear. Endolymph fluid, which is partly regulated by the endolymph sac, flows through the inner ear and is critical to the function of all sensory cells in the inner ear. In addition to water, endolymph fluid contains salts such as sodium, potassium, chloride and other electrolytes. If the inner ear is damaged by disease or injury, the volume and composition of the endolymph fluid can change, causing the symptoms of endolymphatic hydrops. Symptoms
The symptoms of endolymphatic hydrops include the feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and balance problems. Individuals who have Ménières disease have a degree of endolymphatic hydrops that is strong enough to trigger the symptoms of this disease, but individuals with endolymphatic hydrops do not always progress to Ménière’s disease. Causes
Endolymphatic hydrops may occur as a result of trauma such as a blow to the head, infection, degeneration of the inner ear, allergies, dehydration and loss of electrolytes or in extremely rare circumstances a benign tumor such as an endolymphatic sac tumor. In many cases, it is not clear what causes the disorder. Ménière’s attacks occur when there is an increase in endolymphatic volume in the inner ear, causing a temporary leak in the membrane separating the perilymph (potassium poor fluid) and the endolymph (potassium rich fluid).
Expressions like developmentally disabled, special, special needs, or challenged are sometimes used by, but have been criticized for "reinforc[ing] the idea that people cannot deal honestly with their disabilities".The term mental retardation, which stemmed from the understanding that such conditions arose as a result of delays or retardation of a childs natural development, was used in the American Psychiatric Associations DSM-IV (1994) and in the World Health Organizations ICD-10 (codes F70–F79). In the next revision, ICD-11, it was replaced by the term "disorders of intellectual development" (codes 6A00–6A04; 6A00.Z for the "unspecified" diagnosis code). The term "intellectual disability (intellectual developmental disorder)" is used in the DSM-5 (2013). The term "mental retardation" is still used in some professional settings such as governmental aid programs or health insurance paperwork, where "mental retardation" is specifically covered but not "intellectual disability" is not.Historical terms for intellectual disability eventually become perceived as an insult, in a process commonly known as the euphemism treadmill. The terms mental retardation and mentally retarded became popular in the middle of the 20th century to replace the previous set of terms, which included "imbecile", "idiot", "feeble-minded", and "moron", among others, and are now considered offensive. By the end of the 20th century, retardation and retard become widely seen as disparaging, politically incorrect, and in need of replacement.Usage has changed over the years and differed from country to country. For example, mental retardation in some contexts covers the whole field, but previously applied to what is now the mild MR group.