The normal balance and hearing mechanism in the ears relies upon an intricately coiled maze of tubes within the bone at the base of the skull, just inside of the ear.  This complex arrangement of tubes is filled with a fluid called endolymph that moves when your head moves, causing nerve receptors to send signals to the brain about your body’s motion.  An increase in endolymph may cause ballooning or expansion of part of this system, resulting in Meniere’s disease.

  A typical attack of Meniere’s disease often begins by a since of fullness or aching in one or both ears, and hearing may fluctuate with associated ringing or roaring sound in the affected ear.  The average attack lasts for about two to four hours, and nearly always involves a feeling of severe spinning, imbalance, nausea and vomiting.  These attacks can be very exhausting, requiring a considerable amount of rest afterwards.  These attacks may cluster, and occur many times over a short period, or they may be separated by long periods of time, even years may pass between episodes.  Between the attacks, most people are free of symptoms, or they may only experience mild imbalance.  About 75% of the cases involve only one ear, whereas the rest affect both ears.  Although these attacks can be incapacitating, the disease is not fatal.

  Physicians and scientists have investigated many possible causes, however, despite several theories, no specific cause for the disease has been found.  Although there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, there are several medical, behavioral, and surgical therapies that are often helpful in managing the uncomfortable symptoms of Meniere’s disease.  If you have such an attack, lie down on a firm surface, and stay motionless as possible, keeping your eyes open and fixed on a stationary object.  Do not drink or sip fluids, as you may vomit.  Stay in this position until the severe spinning passes, and then get up to move very slowly.  If you are unable to take fluids, or if you have vomiting that lasts more than 24 hours, see your physician to prevent dehydration effects.

  There are a variety of medical, behavioral and surgical therapies available to patients with Meniere’s disease, however, surgical solutions are generally only considered if this condition is reoccurring, and unresponsive to other measures.  Some physicians recommend dietary modifications to relieve the frequency and intensity of attacks in some people.  Eliminating caffeine, alcohol and salt, as well as tobacco, and taking measures to reduce stress levels may lessen the severity of  the symptoms.  Also, properly using medications to help control allergies may reduce fluid retention in the ear, and lessen the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

  Proper diagnosis of Meniere’s disease requires an evaluation by your physician, and this will likely include hearing and balance tests, and possibly medical imaging.  If you have experience recurring attacks  of symptoms that fit the description of Meniere’s disease, be sure and see your family physician or your ear, nose, and throat specialist for relief.