Cogan's syndrome

Cogan's syndrome is a rare rheumatic disease characterized by inflammation of the ears and eyes. Cogan's syndrome can lead to vision problems, hearing impairment and dizziness. The situation may also be associated with an inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis called) in other areas of the body that can cause significant injury of organs or, in a few cases even death. This disease occurs most often in people aged between 20 and 40 years, and its cause is unknown. However, one theory is that it is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue of the eyes and ears.
Treatment
An eye disorder may be treated with mild anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are applied to the eye. If these agents do not act sufficiently well, oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline may be recommended in the case of an infection is the cause ocular inflammation.
In more severe cases may require the use of oral corticosteroids. When large quantities are required steroids or if the disease is severe and is not responding to therapy with corticosteroids, are often recommended other immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs include methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin or azathioprine. In some cases, combinations of these drugs are prescribed, and occasionally if the disease has affected blood vessels may be required surgical intervention to correct the problem.
If excess fluid in the inner ear is causing problems equilibrium, the physician may prescribe diuretics which increase diuresis and removing body fluids. A sensation of imbalance can be treated with antihistamines or with benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and clonazepam or bed rest.
When hearing is impaired and does not improve with medical treatment, it may be useful to use cochlear implants. These devices are electronic devices that translate sounds into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain, bypassing the ear piece that works poorly. One part of the device is implanted in the ear and the other part is used outside of it.
If the front of the eye is severely affected by inflammation, a corneal transplant may improve vision. This surgery replaces the damaged cornea by another of an organ donor.

Prevention
There is no way to prevent Cogan's syndrome.