Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner year (most likely the fluids) that results in:

• Episodes of vertigo or dizziness (spinning sensations)
• Progressive, low-frequency hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• A feeling of pressure in the ear

Also known as, idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops, Meniere's disease is one of the most common causes of dizziness that occurs as a result of the inner ear. It typically affects people ages 20 through 50 and can occur in one or both ears.

The vertigo brought on by Meniere's disease also creates a feeling of being off-balance. This can often lead to nausea. Episodes can last from 20 minutes or up to two hours, however the feeling of being off-balance can last for days.

Changes in hearing can fluctuate, as can the tinnitus and other symptoms. In some people the effects of Meniere's disease are minor, but for others they can be much more disabling.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Meniere's disease usually begins with a series of questions regarding the onset and severity of your symptoms, and whether you have hearing loss, tinnitus, etc. A medical history will be taken and physical exam of the ears, head, and neck will be done.

Here are some of the other tests that may be performed.

• Hearing tests to identify whether you have hearing loss in the critical speech frequencies
• Electronystagmograph (ENG) to determine balance problems
• Electrocochleography (ECoG) to determine whether you have increased inner ear fluid pressure
• Auditory brain stem response (ABR) to test the hearing nerves and pathways to the brain
• CT or MRI to rule out the presence of a tumor, which can also cause similar symptoms to Meniere's disease

Treatment

Medications and lifestyle changes can help control Meniere's disease. Medications include anti-vertigo drugs and anti-nausea drugs. Changes like lowering your intake of salt and taking a diuretic pill may help, as can avoiding caffiene, smoking, and alcohol. Living a healthy lifestyle and controlling stress can also be very helpful in controlling Meniere's.

If these treatments do not work, there are surgical alternatives. Dr. Alexander can help determine the best treatment for you.