Dear Health Care Professional:
I remember as a child going through severe ear infections that were successfully treated. Also I remember throughout my life having ringing in the ears, which growing up I thought everyone else had at one time or another. When I moved North, I found I had to wear winter protective ear gear, otherwise if my ears were exposed to temperatures of 40 degrees F. or less for over 20 minutes or more, I would automatically develop one huge earache.
Now 35, two years ago I noticed that I would loose a few split seconds of consciousness, as when driving finding myself at the edge of the lane and other slight hints like that. Then often I would find myself feeling a little off balance, and my entire biosystem feeling as if I was had to drag myself to just get up and going. Every conceivable test was done, doctors even thought I had depression (when they don't know what else to call what you have), and all of them came out normal.
Then six months ago I had severe symptoms, such as dizziness, vertigo, extremely loud ringing in my ears and most oddly perspiration (similar to hot flashes?). Ear specialist / surgeon did some test and found that I have 26% asymmetrical weakness on my left ear. The thought of Acoustic Neuroma came across and was given an MRI which proved it to be negative.
Not knowing what this is, he thought that this was Meniere Syndrome. I have done extensive research on the condition, but the one thing that does not match is why when severe symptoms occur, suddenly I start perspiring. Episodes last between a few hours to one-time 72 hours. Completely putting me into a bed ridden condition, feeling the whole world swirling and if my guts were about to turn inside out (not nausea per say).
Ear specialist prescribed Meclizine, which suppresses the intensity of the episodes but also makes me feel like a zoombie and want to make me sleep all day. Lately not even the medicine seems to be working. Although episodes are not as severe in intensity, and although with effort I do get myself around, a very mild version of the condition seems to be 24 hours a day, around the clock, all the time!
My work is with strategic / engineering / technology / international management consultation, which requires clarity of mind, and as a last blow my level of concentration seems to be signifcantly reduced due to this condition, which seems to impact my cognitive skills e.g. slower reflex time, longer decision making time requirement, difficulties maintaining focus momentum in order to complete a task or a project (e.g. finishing up this note).
A visiting friend noted that at times, I seemed to have grater noticeable clarity of thought than others.
The above describe condition threatens to wreck my entire life. There is much contribution I would like to give the world, the nation, my community, and my family. Any insights as to possibilities or clues my doctors and me might pursue will be eternally appreciated.
Reply: ----------------------------
First of all, sweating or diaphoresis is quite common with an acute attack of vertigo, whatever the cause - motion illness, labyrinthitis, Meniere's syndrome etc.
Secondly, once a diagnosis of Meniere's syndrome has been reached after appropriate testing and evaluation, most otolaryngologists will recommend diuretic therapy and dietary modifications including avoidance of caffeine and excessive salt intake as measures to prevent acute attacks. Steroid therapy has more recently been shown to be effective in some individuals with Meniere's syndrome. Newer non-sedating antihistamines may be helpful in some patients. For acute episodes, vestibular sedatives like Meclizine or Valium are commonly prescribed.
In about 15% of patients with Meniere's syndrome medical therapy (ie non-surgical therapy) is ineffective. In these patients chemical or surgical ablation of the balance portion of the inner ear may be offered.
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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.
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