The cause of Meniere’s is not really understood. But the effects are difficult to underestimate. Some common symptoms of this affliction are vertigo, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease appear to stem from a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, but researchers aren’t really sure what causes that buildup to begin with.
So the question is: if a condition doesn’t have an identifiable cause, how can it be treated? It’s a complex answer.
What exactly is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder that impacts the inner ear. Symptoms of Meniere’s will grow as time passes, for many patients, because it’s a progressive condition. Here are some of those symptoms:
Unpredictable spells of vertigo: Unfortunately, there’s no way to tell when these episodes of vertigo will occur or how long they could last.
Tinnitus: It’s fairly common for individuals with Meniere’s disease to experience ringing in the ears or tinnitus, which can range from mild to severe.
Fullness in the ear: This symptom is medically known as aural fullness, the sensation of pressure in your ear.
Hearing loss: Eventually, Meniere’s disease can lead to a loss of hearing.
It’s important that you get an accurate diagnosis if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease can appear and disappear for many individuals. But as the disease progresses, the symptoms will probably become more regular.
How is Meniere’s disease treated?
There is no known cure for Menier’s disease which is persistent and progressive. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any way to treat it.
Some of the most common treatments include the following:
- Medications: Anti-nausea and anti-dizziness medications can be prescribed by your physician in some situations. If those specific symptoms show up, this can be helpful. For instance, medications designed to help with motion sickness may help you feel less dizzy when a bout of vertigo takes place.
- Steroid shots: Some symptoms of Meniere’s, especially vertigo, can be temporarily relieved with injections of specific steroids.
- Positive pressure therapy: When Meniere’s disease is especially difficult to treat, this non-invasive method can be used. Positive pressure therapy is the medical term for this therapy. As a way to limit fluid accumulation, the inner ear is exposed to positive pressure. Peer review has not, as of yet, verified the long-term benefits of this approach but it does seem promising.
- Diuretic: A diuretic is another medication option that might be prescribed by your doctor. The idea here is that the pressure in the inner ear can be minimized by reducing fluid retention. This medication isn’t used to treat acute symptoms but instead is taken long-term.
- Surgery: In some instances, surgery is utilized to treat Meniere’s. Normally, however, only the vertigo part of the disease is impacted by this surgery. It won’t affect the other symptoms.
- Hearing aid: As Meniere’s disease progresses and your hearing loss grows worse, you may want to try a hearing aid. Normally, a hearing aid won’t necessarily slow the progress of your hearing loss. But it can help keep you socially active which can improve your mental health. There are also numerous ways hearing aids can help manage tinnitus.
- Rehabilitation: When Meniere’s disease is acting up, You can employ certain physical therapies that can help with balance. This approach may be a practical approach if you’re experiencing regular dizziness or vertigo.
The key is getting the treatment that’s right for you
You should get checked out if think you might have Meniere’s disease. The advancement of Meniere’s disease might be slowed down by these treatments. But these treatments more often help you have a better quality of life in spite of your condition.
