This Web site was developed for people who
have Meniere's Disease or Meniere's-like-symptoms, and for family
members and friends who would like to learn more about this disease.
I was diagnosed with Meniere's Disease in June 1998 (although I had this
for possibly 10 years prior to being diagnosed). I want to take
a moment and thank my very supportive husband and children for their concern,
compassion and understanding of my 'bad days' and for their on-going
encouragement.
Written July, 2001. |
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What is
Meniere's Disease |
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| In 1861, French
physician Prosper Meniere described a condition that now bears his name.
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of
vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, and
fluctuating hearing loss. It is commonly referred to as Morbus
Meniere's or MM for short. |
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Symptoms
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| Although there are many
symptoms of Meniere's disease (too numerous to mention on this page), it
is usually characterized by the following four symptoms.
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| 1) |
Periodic
episodes of rotatory vertigo or dizziness. |
| 2) |
Fluctuating, progressive,
low-frequency hearing loss |
| 3) |
Tinnitus |
| 4) |
A sensation of
"fullness" or pressure in the ear. |
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Cause
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| Most cases of
Meniere's disease have no known cause ("idiopathic"). Very
occasionally, an underlying cause such as traumatic injury or immune
system disease may play a role. |
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Incidence
and Prevalence of Meniere's Disease |
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| Although statistics
vary on this topic, it is said that the incidence of Meniere's disease has
been estimated to range from 0.5 to 7.5 per 1000, although this figure
depends upon a number of factors, such as the diagnostic criteria used to
define the disease. It also varies by ethnic background, showing
relatively high incidence in Britain and Sweden. However, it affects not
only the white race but also blacks and oriental races.
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Natural
Time Course of Ménière's Disease |
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| The
time course of
the disease has been documented in patients who were suitable candidates
for surgery, but who declined surgical treatment of their vertigo
(Silverstein et al. 1989). Initially, the frequency of vertigo attacks in
these patients varied from less than 3 to more than 10 per month. After
two years, more than half the patients were vertigo-free and most of the
remainder showed less than 3 attacks per month. After 8 years, the vast
majority were vertigo-free, although a small number showed less than 3
attacks per month. This decline of symptoms
with time was generally comparable to the group of patients who elected to
undergo surgery, although the severity of the vertigo was not compared
during the two year period following surgery. Also, although vertigo
attacks may become less frequent over a number of years, the hearing loss
tends to progress and tinnitus often remains a problem. Thus, it should
not be concluded that spontaneous "recovery" from the disease
occurs. There are also many patients in whom the symptoms do not abate,
even after many years. There is tremendous variability in the long-term
evolution of the disease. |
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Need Help
- Want to Learn More? |
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Meniere's Now!
Meniere's Blog!
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Please
keep in mind that this site does not replace the necessity of your
physician's advice.
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Last Updated: 05/23/08
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