Meniere's Disease - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

Tallman · 04-22-2004, 08:34 PM

I was told that my inner ear problem that has been causing me dizzy like symptoms is apparantly Meniere's Disease. Can somebody give me some info on this? Is it something that lasts forever? How can you take care of it? A few things I was told to do were eat a low salt diet, drink cranberry juice and undergo vestibular rehab.Also, certain weather conditions may have an effect in making you feel worse. How helpful is it when you go by a low salt diet and drinking cranberry juice? Thanks!

star803 · 04-22-2004, 09:02 PM

Hiya

There is lots of info on menieres disease on the internet. Just 'google' it and it should come up with heaps of info.

But just a few things first - what are your symptoms? How did they diagnose? Have they done tests? If so what? Who diagnosed, was it an experienced inner ear disorders specialist ie neuro-otologist?

From what I know, menieres is a lifelong disorder, however you may only get dizzy attacks every couple of years. You will have some hearing loss and tinnitus.

The reason that they tell you to limit sodium is that menieres is affected by water levels in the ear which is affected by salt. I suppose the cranberry juice must help to regulate it.

I am no expert, but there is heaps of info about. Don't worry too much though, if you have menieres disease, I know a few people who have it and it doesnt affect there life too much.

Goodluck!

Tallman · 04-22-2004, 10:12 PM

Basically I have this dizzy/light headed like feeling 24/7. Its very hard to describe it. I don't have the thing where it feels like the world is spinning all around me. Its more like a feeling that it feels like it may happen. I have this imbalanced type of feeling even though I walk just fine. I feel like things may be shaky even though they are not, along with this pressure like feeling. This all comes from the back of my head. A lot of times it seems to come from certain type of head movements or positions. I Get more relief when sitting or laying down. However, I have to be really still, it takes about a minute and I can still get the feeling when moving around. I can just feel the problem coming from the ear that's giving me problems. I'm also feeling pain in my ear and have had ringing in it for years. My dizzy symptoms and ear pain seem to be getting worse.

They found out I have a dysfunction with my inner ear as a result of an ENG test. My ENT doctor seems to believe I have Meniere's.

hbep · 04-23-2004, 01:14 AM

Hi Tallman,

Get a second opinion from a neurotologist - menieres is often the diagnosis of choice for ENT's - who often aren't that good when it comes to the inner ear.Obviously I'm not doc so can't tell you anything for sure, but your symptoms don't sound a match for menieres.

best,

hbep

star803 · 04-23-2004, 02:17 AM

I agree with hbep. Menieres is typically episodic, it is unusual to have it 24/7. Also the people I know who have it get seriously awful spinning. The spinning attacks nearly always accompanies vomiting because the spinning is so bad. One person told me that they didnt know which way was up and it took them 25 mins to make it to a telephone to call the ambulance. But a couple days later he was feeling fine again. He has an attack about every 2-3 years. In between attacks they usually feel normal.

Definately get a 2nd opinion. I have right vestibular damage caused probably from a virus and my symptoms sound similar to yours. 24/7 dizziness but not spinning, imbalance, feeling as though I am moving, jumpy vision etc

ENT's do tend to be quick to blame meniere's. Probably because they have heard more about menieres then the other vestibular disorders.

If you have vestibular dysfunction then vestibular rehab should help no matter what the cause.