managing the signs and symptoms of meniere’s disease

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Managing the Signs and Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease

If you are experiencing tinnitus, vertigo, and intermittent hearing loss, you

may be suffering from Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear

condition that can cause disruptions in your hearing and balance.Although

science hasn’t yet found a cure for this disease, there are several steps you

can take to reduce its symptoms and minimize its impact on your day-to-day

life.

Many people experience Meniere’s

disease symptoms in episodes. An

episode may begin with a feeling of

fullness in the ear accompanied by

tinnitus and a decrease in hearing.

After these symptoms begin to

appear, patients often begin to

experience vertigo, a sort of dizziness

that’s often described as feeling as

though the room is spinning. You may feel nauseated and your balance may

be impaired. Episodes vary in length, sometimes ending as quickly as twenty

minutes or lasting for hours.

Clusters of these Meniere’s disease episodes (multiple episodes occurring

within a short period of time) are sometimes separated by longer, symptom-

free periods of “remission”. The frequency and severity of each symptom can

vary from episode to episode. Vertigo can sometimes signify a more serious

condition, so be sure to check in with your doctor if you find yourself

experiencing this symptom.

Researchers are still working to determine the cause of Meniere’s disease,

but the leading theory is that its symptoms are caused by abnormalities in

fluid in the inner ear. Scientists have discovered that the amount and

pressure of fluid in the inner ear is critical to your hearing and balance.





Triggers such as improper drainage, allergies, head trauma, and viral

infection could all lead to fluid abnormalities.

Despite the fact that Meniere’s disease has no known cure, it’s symptoms

can often be successfully managed. If you experience nausea during

episodes of vertigo, your doctor may prescribe medications to help you feel

more comfortable. Prescription medications that help reduce fluid retention

can also help control the disease. Rehabilitation can help counteract the

balance problems associated with vertigo, while hearing aids can help during

episodes of hearing loss. Sitting or lying down immediately if you begin to

notice vertigo can help you avoid falls, while avoiding triggers that make

your symptoms worse (such as bright lights or reading) can help lessen the

severity of the episode.

While the symptoms of Meniere’s disease can certainly pose challenges, the

good news is that there are strategies for minimizing them so that patients

suffering from this condition can live near-normal lives.

managing the signs and symptoms of meniere’s disease

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