Ménière Hastalığı

The symptoms and severity of Meniere’s disease vary from person to person. While some people may experience frequent episodes of vertigo along with hearing loss, others may experience mild vertigo accompanied by severe tinnitus. In some individuals, sensitivity to sound (hyperacusis) may also be among the symptoms.

How Does Ménière’s Disease Progress?

Ménière’s disease typically progresses through different stages. In the early stages, most people experience sudden and unpredictable episodes of vertigo accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These episodes of vertigo may continue, come and go, or become less severe.

It is common to experience loss of balance or dizziness before or after these attacks. Permanent hearing loss and tinnitus continue to progress and may worsen during vertigo attacks.

In later stages, episodes of dizziness tend to occur less frequently and may even stop altogether. However, tinnitus and hearing loss often worsen, and you may experience permanent hearing problems.

Ménière’s disease most commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 60, and it is believed to be slightly more common in women than in men.

What Are the Causes of Ménière’s Disease?

The exact cause of Ménière’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to stem from a problem related to pressure in the inner ear. Factors that may increase your risk of developing Ménière’s disease include a family history of the condition and a chemical imbalance in the fluid of your inner ear.

How Is Ménière’s Disease Treated?

Treatments for Ménière’s disease can generally help people manage their symptoms. However, current treatments cannot cure the condition.

To treat Ménière’s disease, a variety of surgical procedures may be used, depending on the severity of the symptoms and whether one or both ears are affected. Microsurgery on the endolymphatic sac is performed to regulate the levels of fluid in the ear.

Early Stage

The early stage of Ménière’s disease consists of sudden and unpredictable episodes of vertigo. These are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. During an episode, you may experience some hearing loss as well as tinnitus.

Some people may also experience sensitivity to sound. At this stage, vertigo attacks can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 24 hours, but they typically last about two to three hours. Your hearing usually returns to normal between attacks.

Intermediate Level

The moderate stage of Ménière’s disease consists of ongoing episodes of vertigo, and for some people, these episodes become less severe. However, tinnitus and hearing loss often worsen.

During the moderate stage, you may experience periods of remission (times when your symptoms disappear) that can last up to several months. Some people may experience symptoms such as tinnitus, sensitivity to sound, and loss of balance between episodes of dizziness.

Late Stage

In the late stages of Ménière’s disease, vertigo attacks occur much less frequently. There may be months or even several years between attacks, or they may slow down completely.

However, you may experience balance issues and may lose your balance, especially in the dark. Hearing problems and tinnitus tend to worsen in the later stages of Ménière’s disease.

Possible treatments include the following

Medications to treat symptoms and prevent attacks Changes in your eating habits, such as a low-sodium diet Balance training (vestibular rehabilitation)

Relaxation Techniques

Support and Advice

It has been found that in some people with Ménière’s disease, the condition affects their mental health. Its unpredictable nature and the limitations it may impose on your daily activities can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.

If you’re having trouble coping with the impact of Ménière’s disease on your life, your healthcare provider can offer advice and support. We also have a support group that can provide assistance and guidance.

Meniere’s Disease Treatment Costs in 2021

You can contact us right away to get information about Meniere’s disease treatment costs in 2021.

Dr. Nuran Kalekoğlu Erkalp