Intratympanic Steroid Injection in Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, TX
Dallas Ear Institute offers Intratympanic Steroid Injections to treat inflammatory ear conditions such as Ménière’s disease, autoimmune inner ear disease, and certain types of sudden hearing loss. Unlike oral steroids, which can have systemic side effects like elevated blood pressure or blood sugar, this procedure delivers steroids directly to the affected area, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
What are steroid medications?
In many fields of medicine, steroid medications are given to treat inflammatory conditions. Steroids are typically given by mouth. Although this is a great option that many doctors use, there are some side effects. Steroids temporarily elevate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In rare cases they can cause stomach ulcers and damage to the hip joint.
Why would steroids be injected instead of given in pill form?
For this reason, steroid injections can be given in certain conditions. The injection is applied to the site of the disease such as a single steroid injection in an inflamed joint. This delivers a high dose of steroid to the diseased area while limiting the systemic side effects throughout the body.
What diseases do steroids treat in the ear?
Many ear diseases can be treated with steroids. Some examples include Ménière’s disease, autoimmune inner ear disease, and some types of sudden hearing loss. Like other diseases of the body, steroid treatments for ear disease may also be treated by either oral route or injected into the ear. This is called an intratympanic injection.
How is a steroid injection performed?
An intratympanic injection is an office procedure that takes about 20 minutes. The neurotologist will position you on your back with your head turned to the side. They will use the microscope to visualize your eardrum and find the site for injection. A very tiny needle will be placed in the eardrum, and the middle ear will be filled with steroid medication. This takes a few seconds and there is only slight discomfort. You will lie in this position for 20 minutes while the steroid diffuses from the middle ear into the inner ear. The inner ear absorbs the medication through the round window (rwn) which treats the inner ear disease.
Are there restrictions after this procedure?
During this procedure, your neurotologist will encourage you to limit swallowing and talking while the medication diffuses into the inner ear. After the procedure, no special care is needed. You may drive home, go back to work, and participate in all usual activities.
What is the expected benefit from steroid injections?
Steroid injections may result in restoration of hearing and management of episodes of vertigo. Occasionally, conditions like Ménière’s disease will go into remission due to repeat steroid injections.