The disease is named after the French doctor Prosper Meniere. No treatment can prevent the hearing loss that occurs in M’nière’s disease. Once the condition is diagnosed, it will remain for life. However, the symptoms typically come and go, and only some people with M’nière’s disease will go on to develop permanent disabilities. While the underlying cause of Meniere’s is unknown, the medical community believes it understands the mechanics of what is happening within the inner ear that triggers the symptoms.
Gentamycin perfusion of the inner ear is a second stage treatment in those cases where Dexamethasone perfusion of the inner ear is unsuccessful in controlling vertigo. It is usually reserved for patients with some impairment in their hearing. Gentamycin is believed to work by reducing the function of the receptors of the balance nerve; it is very effective but there is a higher risk of further hearing loss with this technique.
Your doctor can inject a couple of drugs into your ear to ease your vertigo symptoms. Your doctors might choose an antibiotic called gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentak), which is toxic to the organs in your inner ear. It reduces the function of the affected ear so that your “good” ear takes over your balance. This procedure is done in a doctor’s office, where you’ll be given something to numb the pain before the injection.
Vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss are extremely common and can be caused by serious or life-threatening pathology. Hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo are all common symptomatic complaints with many potential causes, yet true Meniere disease is quite rare and is fundamentally a diagnosis of exclusion. Aside from medications your healthcare provider prescribes, certain OTC medications and supplements can help or hinder symptoms of Meniere’s disease. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, people with Meniere’s disease can experience these symptoms for 20 minutes to 4 hours at a time. It tends to strike men and women equally, and although it can occur at any age, it usually begins between the ages of 30 and 50.
Younger people (those who are less than 60) who are in good health are offered this operation as the most definitive operation both to cure vertigo from Meniere’s and preserve hearing. This minimally invasive operation takes less than two hours. A hospital stay of three or four days is usually necessary. There is considerable overlap of symptoms with vestibular migraine, with migraine also being a feature in 30% of Ménière’s sufferers. Diagnosing Meniere’s is difficult because the symptoms overlap with many other diseases and conditions.
Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. It can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Here are some things you can expect when living with Meniere’s disease:
Symptoms
Vertigo episodes become less frequent in the late stages of the disease and, in some cases, never come back. These drugs include the antibiotic gentamicin (Garamycin) and steroids, such as dexamethasone (Decadron). Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, which is a false sensation of spinning. It also helps to hold onto something stable, such as a wall or rail. Trying to walk during an attack can lead to falls and serious injury, so always be careful. Most researchers think that several of these issues come together to cause Meniere’s disease.
Meniere’s disease is typically characterized by episodes of vertigo, which can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Other symptoms may include:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Nausea and vomiting
Treatment
While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. These may include:
- Medications to reduce vertigo and nausea
- Dietary changes to reduce fluid retention
- Hearing aids or other devices to manage hearing loss
- In severe cases, surgery may be recommended
Lifestyle Changes
Living with Meniere’s disease may require making some lifestyle adjustments to help manage symptoms and prevent episodes. Some tips include:
- Avoiding triggers such as stress, caffeine, and alcohol
- Getting regular exercise to improve balance
- Maintaining a healthy diet low in salt
- Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga or meditation
FAQs
Can Meniere’s disease be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Meniere’s disease. However, treatment options are available to help manage symptoms.
Is Meniere’s disease hereditary?
While the exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, there may be a genetic component involved. It is more common in individuals with a family history of the condition.
