Menieres disease is a condition of the inner ear that affects both the balance and hearing function

Although the cause is unknown, it is thought to be due to an increase in pressure and volume in one of the fluid compartments of the inner ear. In some individuals, triggers like allergies, autoimmune disease, genes, hormonal imbalance and stress and fatigue have been linked with menieres disease

The classic symptoms of menieres disease are:

1- Fluctuating hearing loss-
2- Intermittent attacks of vertigo-feeling dizzy (like spinning, swaying or tilting) or feeling like the world is spinning. At time with associate nausea (feeling like throwing up)
3- Tinnitus- a buzzing, ringing, roaring or hissing sound in the ear

Lie flat and still and focus on an unmoving object. Often people fall asleep while lying down and feel better when they awaken

Menieres disease is a clinical diagnosis meaning a comprehensive history and physical examination are required to make a diagnosis. There’s no single test to diagnose menieres disease.

However, the ENT doctor might order for tests to make sure you do not have other problems. These tests might include:

1- Balance tests
2- Hearing tests
3- Blood tests
4- MRI-this is an imaging test to look at parts of your brain

No. there’s no known cure as yet because the underlying cause has not been established. However, modern medicine is able to control the disease on majority of cases

Lifestyle changes-By avoiding certain triggers, the frequency of menieres episodes can be reduced. This triggers are individualized but include avoiding:

1- Stress and fatigue
2- Excess salt
3- Tea and coffee
4- Alcohol
5- Smoking
6- Monosodium glutamate
7- Allergies

Lifestyle changes also include proper sleep and keeping healthy and fit.

Anti-vertigo medications-This help with the feeling of dizziness and nausea

Intratympanic injections-These are injections of gentamicin or dexamethasone into the middle ear space.

Rehabilitation-This are special exercises that help with balance and tinnitus

When is surgery recommended?

Surgery is the last option. It is recommended in a minority of patients where conservative measures don’t work and when the symptoms are so bad and disabling that you can’t work, drive or participate in normal daily activities of living