Meniere's Disease: Treatments, Causes, and Much More
Meniere's Disease is an inner-ear disorder that may cause Vertigo and hearing loss. It can also lead to Tinnitus or a sensation of pressure inside the ears. The disease affects around 615,000 people worldwide and in the United States. It isn't life-threatening but can severely impact a person’s quality of living.
Is Meniere's Disease a real thing?
Meniere's Disease is an inner-ear disorder which can lead to vertigo and hearing loss. It also causes a sensation of pressure or fullness in one ear. Although it usually only affects one ear of the patient, some may feel symptoms in both. Although the exact cause is not known, it's believed that Meniere's may be caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear. The condition can be caused by changes in the structure of the inner ear. Vertigo episodes can last anywhere from several minutes up to several hours.
Meniere's disease: Common causes
Although the exact cause of Meniere’s disease remains unknown, there have been several possible causes. They include:
- Trauma or head injury
- Viral infection
- Allergy reactions
- Genetic factors
- Autoimmune disorders
- Stress
Meniere's disease: Common treatments
Although there is currently no cure for Meniere’s disease, there are some treatments that may be able to reduce symptoms. These are some of the most common treatments:
- Reduce salt intake and avoid caffeine or Alcohol . Eat smaller meals more often can reduce the symptoms.
- To manage the symptoms, Medications such as anticholinergics and Diuretics may be recommended.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a series of exercises that improve balance and decrease dizziness.
- Surgery: In severe cases of hearing loss, it may be necessary to drain excess fluid.
Expert opinion on Meniere’s Disease
American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery states that Meniere's Disease is a complex disorder of unknown origin and should be treated individually. The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery recommends several treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, medication, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
Studies have shown that vestibular rehabilitation therapy can reduce vertigo attacks and their intensity in Meniere's patients. In a 2019 Frontiers in Neurology study , vestibular rehabilitation therapy was found to be effective in decreasing vertigo attacks in Meniere's patients. The effects of the treatment were also sustained for a long time.
Natural remedies for Meniere’s disease
There are natural treatments that can help with Meniere's disease symptoms. These include:
- A low-salt diet is recommended. A diet that is low in sodium can reduce fluid retention within the inner ear.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. These substances may worsen Meniere's symptoms.
- Reducing stress. Stress can worsen symptoms, so it is important to find ways to lower stress.
- Exercising regularly. Regular exercise can reduce stress levels and help improve your balance.
- Supplements. Supplements like vitamin B12 and magnesium may be helpful in reducing symptoms.
These natural remedies should not be used to replace conventional medical treatment. Before you start any new program, it is vital to remember that they are not intended to.
Conclusion
Meniere's Disease is an inner-ear disorder that may cause vertigo and hearing loss. It can also lead to a sense of pressure or fullness in the ears. While the cause of Meniere's disease is not known, treatments are available to reduce symptoms. They include lifestyle modifications, medication, and vestibular rehab therapy. Natural treatments such as decreasing salt intake and avoiding alcohol and caffeine, or taking supplements, may help to reduce the symptoms. Before you start any new treatment, it is crucial to talk with your doctor.
Meniere's Disease is a complicated disorder which can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of living. Although there is currently no cure for Meniere's disease, natural treatments are available to reduce symptoms and their severity.