I have been diagnosed with Auto Immune Vestibulopothy. This is the result of a positive blood test. I am to be put on a mild dose of chemotherapy which is not a pleasant thought. Has anyone had a similar problem? My symptoms are sudden hearing loss, tinnitus and some dizziness. I trust that the docs know what they are doing with the chemo.

rcristal

I thought they usual gave predisone for that, a strong steroid.

just seen your post, and was wondering what this is exactly. what kind of blood test did you have? the thought of chemotherapy is kinda scary, and wonder why they would use this for an inner ear problem.

I have been diagnosed with Auto Immune Vestibulopothy. This is the result of a positive blood test. I am to be put on a mild dose of chemotherapy which is not a pleasant thought. Has anyone had a similar problem? My symptoms are sudden hearing loss, tinnitus and some dizziness. I trust that the docs know what they are doing with the chemo.

rcristal

Hi Rcristal

From the Northwestern Univ web site(prof/dr Hain's site)located in the "sticky" first post on board:

...."How is Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease Treated ?

Classic treatments with steroids and immunosuppresants
There are several protocols for treatment. In cases with a classic rapidly progressive bilateral hearing impairment, a trial of steroids (prednisone or dexamethasone) for 4 weeks may be tried. In persons with response to steroids, in most cases a chemotherapy type of medication such as Cytoxan will be used over the long term (Sismanis et al , 1994; Sismanis et al, 1997), as long term high-dose steroids can result in severe side effects. In the author's practice, persons who respond to steroids are considered for treatment with Enbrel (see below), but this is presently not commonly used."...

Go here for the Northwestern Univ web page on Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease:


http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/autoimmune/aied.html

listed in the "sticky"

:cool:

Much thanks for the tip on Northwestern. I'll get on it.

I have had two, short term doses of steroids which were of no help. I have been to four docs including one who is a reknowned specialist in this field. The low dose of chemo is also used for rhemitoid(?) arthritis. The dose I will be on, while not pleasant, is nowhere near the high dose given to serious cancer patients. Nonetheless, my problem appears to be getting worse. I have lost a great deal of hearing in my right ear and some in my left. I have tinnitus in my right ear and I have a little imbalance. I am in good hands with the docs but I am a little nervous.