How to Recognize Meniere's Disease

There are many problems that the inner ear can have, usually results in dizziness. Meniere’s disease is one such problem. It is defined as an “abnormality” of the inner ear and was first described in 1861 from Prosper Meniere from which it is named. The condition can last for a day, a month, or a year or more at a time. It is generally in one ear and can lead to hearing loss. There is research being done to determine any environmental issues that could cause Meniere’s Disease.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• knowledge
• doctor's appointment

1. Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
   These signs are the same for most any inner ear condition, only your healthcare provider will be able to tell you if it is Meniere’s.
   Vertigo, extreme dizziness – Can be slight or so bad the person must lie down from it.
   Tinnitus, ear noise or ringing – Especially at night when they are trying to sleep.
   Pressure in the ear – Pressure and fullness in the ear, like an ear ache.
   Hearing loss – Can be slight or severe, and last from a few minutes to a few hours.
   These are the most frequent of all the symptoms from the condition.

2. Possible Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
   There are three other possibly related symptoms, but these must accompany the above symptoms for it to be Meniere’s. Having a headache does not mean that you have inner ear disease alone. Please check with your doctor for any and all signs you may be experiencing.
   Headaches
   Diarrhea
   Stomach pain
   
   Any of the symptoms can occur in varying frequencies and varying severities. It is a very strange condition in that there is no rhyme or reason when the symptoms will hit and become worse.

3. Treating Meniere’s
   While there isn’t a cure available, you can change your diet to help stop fluid retention. This retaining of fluid has been shown to really help in symptoms and a low-salt diet can help tremendously in living with Meniere’s Disease. Stopping stress, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine can show some signs of lower symptoms and better length between attacks. There are some surgeries that can be done if the hearing is gone completely from the affected ear, but typically is reserved until then because of the removal of the inner ear sense organ called a labyrinthectomy.
   
   Some alternative treatments that could help the symptoms because of their use in relieving stress can include acupuncture, acupressure, massage, and yoga. Caffeine and alcohol removal, with tobacco, keeps stimulants from irritating the sensitive ear and helps cease some of the aggravation with the condition.