What is Meniere’s Disease? An Explanation of What It Is and How It Affects You.
So, What is Meniere’s disease? It is the name of a disorder or condition of the inner ear. No one knows its cause, but we do recognize that there are major symptoms. The symptoms are very debilitating and therefore they are the focus of most of the medical research and treatments. The major symptoms are:
Meniere’s disease has to do with fluid and balance in the (semi-circular) canals of the inner ear
Our balance and sense of position (laying down, standing upright) is governed by these fluid-filled canals called semicircular canals, located here. When your head moves, endolymph (fluid) moves, causing nerve receptors in the membranous labyrinth in the inner ear to send signals to the brain about the body’s motion.
An increase in endolymph, however, can cause the membranous labyrinth to balloon or dilate, a condition known as endolymphatic hydrops. Experts think that a rupture of the membranous labyrinth allows the endolymph to mix with perilymph, (another inner ear fluid) that occupies the space between the membranous labyrinth and the bony inner ear.
This mixing, scientists believe, can cause the symptoms of Meniere’s disease. The inner ear is responsible for the levels, filtration, and excretion of fluids in this area of the ear. (This is a VERY simplistic explanation of what happens.)
In a healthy ear, a message is triggered from the inner ear to the brain, letting the brain know that there is some sort of imbalance. The brain sends a return message asking the inner ears’ nerve cells to correct this imbalance. Our cells automatically carry out this message or command. It is our body’s intention to be “in balance” at all times, so it adjusts for any differences.
In Meniere’s Disease these filtration and excretion seems to be hindered or impaired. So any message is either not going to be received correctly nor will it be interpreted and returned appropriately. This leads to swelling. And that in turn creates an imbalance in the fluctuation of fluid levels within the inner ear. (Again a simplistic interpretation.)
Although it can be very unpleasant, it is not something that’s contagious and it isn’t fatal.
However, it’s a “chronic” problem, which means that it lasts a long time. People with Meniere’s disease don’t have symptoms all the time. When symptoms occur, it’s called an “attack.” Attacks may happen often, or only sometimes. And they are totally without warning!
Attacks can last from minutes to hours, but rarely last a full day. They can occur during the day or happen in the night. However, because of the exhaustion that follows one of these attacks, the person is usually “out of circulation” for the rest of the day, maybe longer.
The side effects of a Meniere’s disease attack can be long lasting and pervasive and depression is one of the side effects that you should be aware of.
Meniere’s disease usually occurs in only one ear. It affects both ears in only about 30% of patients. The major symptoms that cause most of the difficulty are characterized by abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo), loss of hearing, and noises or ringing (tinnitus) in one or both ears. Most of the people afflicted with Meniere’s disease are adults, but we do see a few children and younger adults being affected.
Scientists are investigating several possible causes of Meniere’s disease, including environmental factors, such as noise pollution and viral infections, as well as biological factors such as:
- Middle ear infections
- Head injuries
- Syphilis
- Viral and /or bacterial infections
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Alcohol or smoking
- Allergies
- If you would like a copy of our Meniere’s Disease Study Guide, please click here. This guide is a step by step journey exploring your symptoms and what may be causing them.
- If you would like more information on the system that David, and numerous others, have used, please click here; What Finally Worked.
- If you have any health questions or concerns, please feel free to Contact Us and we will be happy to share our knowledge and ideas with you.
Karin Henderson, Retired Nurse
(604) 463-8666 – Pacific Standard Time