Meniere's Disease

Here you'll be able to find out exactly what Meniere's Disease is, as well as my personal Meniere's story, information on joining a wonderful online support group, a Meniere's Atypical Symptoms Checklist, some Meniere's related links, and finally, an update regarding my Homeopathy treatment I'm experimenting with.

Meniere's Disease: What is it?
In case you don't know or might not know if you have Menieres Disease, or one of the other ear diseases that can and does mimic MM, here are some of the basic known facts and some other info that might help you to understand what it is and does. I have included some links to information about these other related diseases that you might find helpful also.

In 1861, French physician Prosper Meniere described a condition that now bears his name. Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and fluctuating hearing loss.

A typical attack of Meniere's disease may be preceded by fullness or aching in one or both ears. Hearing fluctuation or tinnitus (ringing clicking, hissing) sounds in the ear(s) may also precede an attack. Or may happen at any time! Mine does. Just sitting quietly watching TV, it my ear might starting hissing and clicking for no known apparent reason!

A Meniere's episode generally involves severe vertigo (spinning), imbalance, nausea, and vomiting. The average attack lasts two to four hours. But can last a LOT longer for some! As long as 10 to 15 hours! After a severe attack, most people find that they are extremely exhausted and must sleep for several hours.

In some people, Meniere's episodes may occur in clusters; that is, several attacks may occur within a short time. In other cases, weeks, months, or even years may pass between episodes. Between the acute attacks, most people are free of symptoms or note only mild imbalance and tinnitus. But more and more people are finding they are having symptoms on a daily basis. Not the severe constant vertigo, but mild, everyday dizziness. I am among these people.

In 75 percent of the cases, Meniere's disease is confined to one ear, while in the other 25 percent, both ears are involved. In most cases, a progressive hearing loss occurs in the affected ear(s). Although an acute attack can be incapacitating, the disease itself is not fatal. But sometimes, during and actual attack, you wish it were! I have been told I will eventually go deaf in my MM ear (left ear).

What causes Menieres?
An acute attack of Meniere's disease is believed to result from fluctuating pressure of a fluid (endolymph) within the inner ear. The underlying cause of Meniere's disease is unknown.