Meniere's Disease is an illness that presents victims with hearing loss, pressure in the .
ear, tinnitus, severe imbalance, and vertigo. Vertigo is the most dramatic and distressing .
symptom of Meniere's - it is commonly caused by acute labyrinthitis (a viral inflammation of the .
inner ear), abnormally floating crystals in the inner ear that stimulate the nerve endings of the .
inner ear, or is the result of cervical spine problems. The actual cause or causes of Meniere's .
disease are not known, but many experts believe it may result from endolymphatic hydrops, .
which is an excessive swelling of the small, fluid filled chambers of the inner ear. Other causes .
may include a middle ear infection or head injury. Eventually, the pressure and severe .
disruptions inside the inner ear cause periodic attacks of vertigo. The hearing loss in Meniere's .
normally fluctuates with hearing becoming worse some days than others. This may lead to severe .
permanent hearing loss and deafness in the affected ear. Poor blood flow to the brain from poor .
circulation and clogged arteries can also be a factor. Meniere's is rarely found in children and .
typically begins in both men and women in the thirties or early middle age. There is no cure for .
Meniere's disease. Treatment options to help manage symptoms include lifestyle changes, .
medication, and surgery. The sort of lifestyle changes that can help manage symptoms of .
Meniere's disease are avoidance of caffeine and alcohol, eating a well-balanced diet that is low in .
salt, get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, but avoid fatigue, and find ways to manage stress. If .
vertigo attacks occur without warning, the person must not drive or participate in other activities .
in which sudden dizziness could lead to injury. Medications such as diuretics can also help .
reduce the frequency of episodes of vertigo in some patients. Lastly, surgery can also control .
attacks in some patients, surgery for Meniere's disease is not always successful, and always .
