Test Could Help Treat Hearing Loss

September 16, 2005 08:40:47 PM PST

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and included 63 people with rapidly progressing hearing loss and 20 people with normal hearing. All the hearing-loss patients were suspected of having an autoimmune cause for their hearing loss, and all received steroids to treat the problem.

Researchers found that more than half of the hearing-loss patients had antibodies against a protein called IESCA (inner-ear supporting cell antigen) that's found in the inner ear. The presence of the antibodies is a sign that their immune systems identified IESCA as foreign to the body.

"In all, 28 of the 63 patients experienced improvement in their hearing after steroid treatment, and 35 did not," study senior researcher Thomas Carey, a professor at the U-M Medical School and department chair in the School of Dentistry, said in a prepared statement. He added that the great majority, 89 percent, of those who improved had also tested positive to an antibody for IESCA.

"The results strongly suggest that a direct test for antibodies could accurately predict which patients will regain hearing with steroid treatment," he said.

It would take several years to develop such a test, he noted.

The study appears in the current issue of the journal Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery.

More information

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery has more about autoimmune inner ear disease.

Health Tip: Prevent Sciatica

September 16, 2005 08:40:47 PM PST

Sciatica is pain that occurs along the path of the sciatic nerve, which comes from the spinal column.

Pain from an irritated sciatic nerve usually occurs in the buttocks, hip, and back of the thigh.

According to the Calgary Health Region, here are some ways to prevent sciatic pain or reduce existing discomfort in your lower back:

• Brace yourself if you feel a forceful sneeze or cough coming on.
• Practice safe lifting techniques.
• Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods.
• Exercise regularly and include gentle stretching exercises.
• Lighten your wallet and don't carry it in your hip pocket.
• Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your side with a pillow between your legs.
• Keep your abdominal muscles in shape.
• Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
• Have your bras professionally fitted if you have large breasts as this can put a strain on your back.