Meniere's disease is a disorder affecting the inner ear. It causes episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

Who Gets Meniere's disease?

2 in every 1000 people suffer from Meniere's disease. People in their 40's and 50's are most affected. However, people in their 20's can also suffer from this condition. Meniere's affects men and women equally.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Meniere's are variable. A typical attack is preceded by fullness in one or both ears. The attack generally consists of imbalance, vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sweating and nausea. Though some people can predict the onset of an attack, most people find their onset unpredictable.

Severity and frequency of attacks are variable. Still an average attack lasts for many hours (days in some) and are followed by extreme exhaustion, making the person sleep for many hours together.

The typical symptoms seen in Meniere's disease are:

• Vertigo

  
  This is a subjective feeling of rotation (either of oneself or the surrounding), having sudden onset and in severe cases, accompanied by sweating, nausea and vomiting.

• Tinnitus

  
  There is a subjective sensation of ringing, roaring or swooshing in the ears. Usually one ear is affected, though it is not uncommon for both ears to be affected.

• Hearing loss or deafness

  
  Progressive hearing loss in one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) ears is experienced. Initially, the lower frequencies are the first to go.

• Fullness in both ears

  
  There is a feeling of fullness in the ears similar to that experienced in pressure changes. However, there is no relief obtained by swallowing.

• Photophobia

  
  Increased sensitivity to light in any form which aggravates the headaches and vertigo is a common symptom.

What causes Meniere's disease?

Studies have suggested the presence of an autoimmune factor in the development of Meniere's disease. The exact cause is yet unknown. The inner ear contains fluid called endolymph. This fluid is enclosed within a structure of membranes. Increase in pressures within this enclosure causes these membranes to bulge. This condition is called "hydrops". Yet, all persons with Meniere's disease don't present with hydrops. Where the cause of hydrops is known, the condition is called "endolymphatic hydrops" and not Meniere's disease.

Diagnosis

Good clinical history supported by otoneurological evaluation and audiometry help an experienced physician to make a correct diagnosis of Meniere's disease. An MRI is often suggested to rule out tumor of 8th cranial nerve.

Homeopathic treatment for Meniere's disease:

Homeopathy works in most cases of Meniere's disease. Symptomatic relief as well as reduction in the swelling of the endolymphatic sac can be achieved. Recurrence of Meniere's disease can be controlled. Homeopathy is strongly recommended for Meniere's disease during all stages.