What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease occurs when fluid accumulates in your inner ear. The exact cause hasn’t been identified, but the excess fluid may be associated with the production of too much fluid, allergies, genetics, or, possibly, autoimmune disorders.
Though this condition can begin at any age, it typically appears between the ages of 40-60 years. Once it develops, it’s a chronic problem that gets progressively worse.
What symptoms occur if I have Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s is known for sudden attacks of dizziness that can last from 20 minutes to 12 hours. The following symptoms usually occur together during an attack:
Vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that makes you feel like your surroundings are spinning. In severe cases, you may also have nausea.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss typically comes and goes at first, but over time, it becomes permanent. You may also find that loud sounds cause discomfort or pain.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus refers to ringing, roaring, buzzing, whistling, and other sounds in your ears. The causes of these sounds are not in your environment; they arise from inside your body.
Sensation of fullness in your ear
The fluid build-up makes it feel like your ears are clogged or congested. The feeling doesn’t improve when you yawn or swallow.
How is Meniere’s disease treated?
Since there’s no cure for Meniere’s disease, the goal of your treatment plan is to control symptoms and prevent future attacks. The therapies that treat this condition include:
- Avoiding triggers
- Low-salt diet
- Diuretic medications
- Anti-vertigo medications
- Intratympanic steroid injections
- Intratympanic gentamicin injections
- Positive pressure therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Surgery
Stress, anxiety, caffeine, smoking, alcohol, and consuming too much salt often trigger Meniere’s attacks.
Surgery is a last resort and is only a consideration if you already have advanced hearing loss and severe vertigo attacks. If it comes down to surgery, your provider may recommend surgery to remove the structures responsible for vertigo or to cut away a portion of a key nerve.
What should I do during a Meniere’s disease attack?
When an attack strikes, the best thing to do is lie flat, stay still, and focus on an unmoving object. Your provider may also prescribe medications that you can take to calm the inner ear.
If you have sudden vertigo attacks, call South Bay Hearing and Balance, or book an appointment online today.