It's a chronic problem, which means it lasts for many years. There is no known cure. The disease normally occurs in one ear. It affects both ears in patients only 30% of the time.
Menieres disease symptoms are spontaneous. The intensity of the symptoms varies widely from mild to the extreme.
Some Patients Experience:
- A loss of hearing at a rapid rate
- A continual sense of imbalance, which they label as being dizzy
- Nausea and vomiting due to dizziness
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Disoriented
- Fluctuating tinnitus(a sound heard when there is no sound)
- Fluctuating aural fullness(air between the ears)
For many, these symptoms lasts from 20 minutes to 2 hours, sometimes longer.
It is not possible to self- diagnose Menieres because it is not defined by its symptoms. A differential diagnosis with diagnostic tests are required (that means the process of elimination).
For the diagnosis, you must see a licensed and qualified medical professional.
Possible treatments range from dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, out-patient surgery, to intracranial (brain) surgery. For dietary and lifestyle changes the goal is to provide stable body fluid, so the secondary fluid fluctuations in the inner ear can be avoided. High salt or sugar levels in the diet often lead to these fluctuations.
Here are some Dietary Suggestions:
- Try to aim for a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Drink adequate amounts of fluid (such as milk, water and low sugar fruit juices)at the same time daily.
- Avoid caffeine(such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate).
- Food containing MSG (monosodium glutamate), often found in pre-packaged products, should be avoided
- Avoid taking in foods or fluids that have high salt or sugar content.
- Patients should work closely with their doctors to find out what treatment (or combination of treatments) work best for them.
However, it is possible for the disease to progress to the point where it finally destroys the entire vestibular function in the affected ear.
This process is known as the “burn-out”. Nothing stops the relentless progression of the disease at this point. It will continue to destroy hearing, produce the sense of aural fullness, and tinnitus even in patients who are completely deaf.
There is a whole host of websites for patients and families to gain knowledge of Menieres Disease.
Here are some resources to get you started:
Pick and choose the resources that is right for you. The life you improve may be your own.
