An Overview of Meniere's Disease
Meniere's Disease is a condition affecting the inner ear and possibly
even causing left ear pain. It can also
be known as vertigo disease or endolymphatic hydrops. Although we don't
have a specific cause for Meniere's, we do recognize that the major symptoms
are very debilitating. These are vertigo (and
vertigo symptoms), dizziness,
tinnitus, and hearing
loss, and pressure or fullness in the ear.
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.
With Meniere's, these filtration and excretion activities seem to be hindered
or impaired. So any message is either not going to be received correctly nor
will it be interpreted and returned appropriately (A simplistic interpretation.)
Although it can be troublesome, Meniere's is not something that's contagious
and it isn't fatal.
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.
This condition has an affect on the entire family. Not only does the person
have the attack, but the family also has to tiptoe around and be very quiet.
Frequently they are speaking to a person that can't hear them very well, either
one or both ears. It's very frustrating and tiring.