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Experiencing the vertigo episodes of Meniere’s disease can be scary. Your world may feel like it’s spinning without warning, and the sensation is beyond your control. You lose your sense of balance and sometimes, even your hearing.
To help you gain a deeper understanding of the condition, Source Chiropractic and Wellness is here to discuss everything about Meniere’s disease — its characteristics, causes and symptoms, and some tips to cope with the inner ear disorder. We will also share where you can get professional help to treat Meniere’s disease.
What Is Meniere’s Disease?
Meniere’s Disease was named after French physician Prosper Meniere, the first to recognize that the condition originated in the inner ear and not in the brain like was previously believed. Some of the symptoms associated with Meniere’s are as follows:
- A feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear
- Fluctuating hearing loss
- Tinnitus— a ringing in the ear
- Vertigo — a sensation that you or your world are spinning
Signs and Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease
Before an Attack
- A sense of fullness in the ear
- Hearing fluctuations
- Tinnitus
During a Full-Blown Attack
- Severe vertigo
- Loss of balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- “Drop Attack” — falling without warning
After an Attack
- Extreme tiredness
- Sleepiness
A full-blown attack of Meniere’s may last anywhere from two to four hours. The symptoms are different for every person and episode. Some people have short “shocks,” while for others the sense of being off balance doesn’t go away.
A “drop attack” is one symptom that can come on without warning. You may feel as if you are tilting or falling. It can be dangerous as many people fall to the ground suddenly as if they fainted, but in this case, they do not lose consciousness.
Meniere’s attacks may occur in clusters. This means that a few episodes may occur within a short period and then years may pass before you experience another one again. It commonly affects only one ear but may spread to both ears over time. In almost all cases, progressive hearing loss occurs.
Meniere’s disease frequently afflicts adults over the age of 40, and both men and women are affected equally. Some people with Meniere’s also experiences migraines.
What Causes Meniere’s Disease?
The most widely accepted theory is that Meniere’s is caused by an abnormally large amount of fluid (called endolymph) in the inner ear, resulting in obstruction in normal balance and hearing signals between the inner ear and the brain. However, not everyone believes this theory as not all patients with Meniere’s has fluid buildup, and some people have fluid buildup but do not have Meniere’s.
Another factor that medical researchers are looking at is the immunologic function of the endolymphatic sac. It is possible that immune disease may have contributed to many cases of Meniere’s disease. Genetics is also believed to play a part in some patients. Some links have been seen between Meniere’s disease and the cervical spine, TMD (problems in the joint of the jaw), eustachian tube dysfunction, and autonomic nervous system issues.
Steps to Improve Meniere’s Symptoms
Certain substances present in the blood and fluids of the body affect the inner ear. Eating foods that are high in sugar or salt can lead to the increase of these substances in your blood, and, in turn, may worsen the concentration of substances in your ear. Working to control these things can fend off the imbalances.
Follow the tips below to help you prevent Meniere’s attacks:
- Limit your alcohol intake to one glass of wine or one beer daily.
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself well-hydrated. If you plan to exercise or go outdoors in the heat, always bring extra fluids with you.
- Do not use MSG, a popular food additive in Asian cooking. It contains a lot of sodium and can trigger symptoms of Meniere’s.
- Avoid salty foods as too much salt intake can worsen the fluid pressure in the inner ear, further aggravating your symptoms. Canned or processed foods should also be avoided. Instead, eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should limit your sodium intake to less than 1000 mg daily.
- Do not skip meals. Try to eat the same amount of food at each meal. Distribute your fluid and food intake evenly.
Professional Help for Meniere’s Disease in Draper, Utah
Sometimes, the underlying reason for Meniere’s disease involves the upper cervical spine. A misalignment in this area gives undue pressure to the brainstem, causing issues throughout the body. If the brainstem malfunctions and is unable to communicate accurately with the brain about the body’s location, it can lead to symptoms of Meniere’s disease. A misalignment here can also hinder the fluid from draining properly from the ears due to a lesion that develops on the eustachian tube over many years.
Here at Source Chiropractic and Wellness in Draper, Utah, we specialize in correcting the misalignment of the bones in the upper neck through a gentle technique. The atlas and axis vertebrae are the most prone to moving out of place. One thing our patients appreciate about our practice is we do not crack or pop the back or neck to achieve results. Our adjustments are made without using force on the spine. After a few adjustments, nearly all our Meniere’s patients report a decrease in their symptoms. Some are happy to share their Meniere’s has gone away and never returned.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Cheney, call our Draper office at 385-331-7035. You can also click one of the buttons below.
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