Hi!
After reading so many of your previous posts, I felt a sense of relief, realizing that I am not alone in what I have experienced for the last 8 mos. I too, woke up with a dizzy, spinning sensation, and after going to the doctor, he diagnosed it as an inner ear infection and didn't recommend antibiotics or anything for treatment. Several weeks later, I was still experiencing ear pain, and discomfort and vertigo. This time, my doctor gave me nasal sprays and sinus allergy meds. He said that the turbinates in my nose was extremely inflamed, and figured my ear problems was contributed by my sinus problems. Months later, he sent me to an ent, who did an eng, and an mri of my sinuses, and a hearing test. All those appeared to be fine. He suggested that it might be tmj, and suggested I talk to an orthodontist. I went back to my primary care physician who was resolved that this was just something I was going to have to live with. I have been an active 34 yr old mom, who now, spends most of my time feeling either queasy, dizzy or just exhausted. I often have an itch inside my ear, or a tingling feeling. My sinus problems are not obvious, due to the drainage being more sinus like. The nasal sprays and Zyrtec/Claritin does not help at all. I am at a loss as to what my next step should be. I even went the route of having my ear candled, or coned, which again, did not help.
Ironically, my mother is also struggling with tinnitus. She complains of
sleepless nights due to buzzing and ringing in one ear, and a chirping noise
in the other. She too was basically told that she would have to "live with
it." My father, on the other hand, is a really good candidate for meniere's
disease. He has been experiencing dizzy spells, in which he will either
stumble, fall to the side, drop to his, or grab for his head. He is very ear
sensitive, and can't handle anyone messing checking his ears. After going to
several doctors, they did all the usual tests and determined that he is
experiencing nervous or panic attacks. I believe that his problem is the
dizziness, which causes this heart pounding sensation, which can easily be
mistaken for anxiety disorder. My questions are, what are the tests needed to
determine Meniere's, labrynthitis, or anything, and why don't most doctors
recommend these tests be done? Also, is there medication, treatments in this
diagnosis? Is my father's possible Meniere's genetic? Could I be
experiencing problems due to his problems? I am in CA, and would really
appreciate any recommendations you might give towards helping us find a
specialist for these areas. Thank you so much for taking the time. I am
feeling pretty desperate at this point, anxious to continue enjoying life.
Your help would be so much appreciated!
Reply: ---------------------
Meniere's syndrome is a condition characterized by attacks of whirling vertigo typically accompanied by tinnitus, fluctuating loss of hearing, and fullness in the affected ear. The condition usually affects only one ear but occasionally involves both. The disorder is associated with an alteration in fluid dynamics in the inner ear which results in high fluid pressures and occasionally ruptures of internal membranes of the inner ear.
The specific cause of the condition is unknown but is probably multifactorial, including having a familial component. Envirnomental triggers or aggravating factors are well-known such as stress, excess salt intake, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol amongst others.
There is no diagnostic test that is specific for Meniere's syndrome. The diagnosis is a clinical one requiring careful assessment of symptom history, thorough medical evaluation, and audiologic evaluation including serial audiograms. Electronystagmogram (ENG) is a test which measures the balance function of the inner ear and is commonly performed in the evaluation of Meniere's. Imaging of the inner ear and posterior chamber of the skull are often performed as well (MRI or CT scanning).
Medical treatment is successful in controlling symptoms in approximately 85% of patients with Meniere's. Typically this therapy includes certain dietary measures including salt avoidance; diuretic therapy; and the symptomatic use of certain sedatives or antihistamines such as valium or meclizine. In the 15% of patients whose symptoms are severe and persist despite these measures, there are surgical therapies which are highly successful.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations