Meniere's disease Extracted from: The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine, Random House New York, Medical Editor; Charles B. Clayman, MD, Copyright 1989 by Dorling Kindersley Limited and the American Medical Association. A disorder of the inner ear characterized by recurrent vertigo, deafness, and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear. In 80 to 85 percent of cases, only one ear is affected. CAUSES AND INCIDENCE The disease is caused by an increase in the amount of fluid in the membranous labyrinth (the canals in the inner ear that control balance). This increase damages the labyrinth and sometimes the adjacent cochlea (a spiral organ that receives sound and transmits it to the brain). The cause of the fluid increase is not known in most cases. Meniere's disease is uncommon before age 50. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS The main symptom is a sudden attack of vertigo, which may be so severe that the person falls to the ground. Vertigo is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (jerky eye movement), and , in the affected ear, deafness, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure or pain. Attacks, which vary considerably in frequency, may last from a few minutes to several hours. However, the deafness and tinnitus tend to persist between the attacks of vertigo. DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT Meniere's disease is usually diagnosed from the results of audiometry (see Hearing tests), a caloric test, and sometimes other tests. During an attack, the person should rest in bed. An antiemetic drug (such as dimenhydrinate aor cyclizine) may be given to relieve nausea and tinnitus. Hearing tends to deteriorate progressively. If deafness becomes total, the other symptoms of the disease usually disappear. Personal Health Lifestyles, Inc. Nutritional Background and Recommendations Meniere's Disease Ringing in the ears, variable loss of hearing, loss of balance dizziness, and nausea and vomiting are symptoms of the inner ear disturbance known as Meniere's disease. The condition may affect one or both ears. The exact cause or causes are unknown, but many experts believe it results from a metabolic problem caused by a disturbed carbohydrate metabolism like that associated with hypoglycemia. Impaired blood flow to the brain from clogged arteries and poor circulation may also be involved. Alergies, stress, exposure to loud noises, and excessive salt intake may contribute to this disorder. In the semicircular canals of the inner ear, increased fluid retention produces pressure, which may and hearing, resulting in bouts of dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting. Fluid retention during the premenstrual period in women, allergies, and spasms of the blood vessels that supply the inner ear may be related to Meniere's disease. Drug use, smoking, trauma, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) may also be involved. NUTRIENT Essential Supplement - Manganese Comments - Deficiency may be the cause of Meniere's syndrome. Very Important Supplement - Bio- Strath from Bioforce Comments - A natural source of the B vitamins. Acts as a tonic and enhances brain function. Supplement - Chromium Comments - Aids in controlling blood sugar levels, which are often high in those with this disorder. Supplement - Coenzyme Q10 Comments - Improves circulation. Important Supplement - Vitamin B complex Comments - Important for the nervous system. Use a high-stress formula. Supplement - Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Comments - Reduces fluid retention. Supplement - Vitamin C w/bioflavonoids Suggested Dosage - 3,000-6,000 mg daily, in divided doses. Comments - Boosts immune function. Use as esterified or buffered form. Helpful Supplement - Calcium & Magnesium Comments - Needed for stability of the nervous system and for muscle contraction. Chelated forms are the most effective. Supplement - Essential fatty acids (primrose oil and salmon oil are good sources) Comments - To correct metabolic disturbances. Supplement - Vitamin E Comments - Promotes efficient oxygen use. HERBS *Butcher's broom combats fluid retention and improves circulation. *Ginkgo Biloba, taken in extract or tablet form, increases circulation to the brain. CONSIDERATIONS *Some doctors recommend a high-protein, low-refined-carbohydrate diet because they found that people with this disorder have high blood insulin levels. High insulin levels impair circulation. Other factors, such as obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and high blood cholesterol may contribute to this syndrome as well.