Understanding Ménière’s Disease

Ménierè’s disease is an inner ear disorder that causes fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and fullness or pressure in the ear. There is no cure for Ménierè’s disease, but various strategies can help you manage your symptoms.

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Researchers think that it may have to do with fluid levels in the inner ear or the closing of blood vessels, similar to what happens in people who get migraine headaches. Other researchers believe that Ménierè’s disease occurs because of viral infections, allergies, or autoimmune reactions. The disease tends to run in families, so there could also be a genetic link.

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There is no cure for Ménierè’s disease yet, but some treatment options may alleviate your symptoms. Treatment for people with Ménierè’s disease includes devices that deliver air pulses to the middle ear and medicines to help you control dizziness and fluid retention in your body. Surgery may also be required depending on the severity of your symptoms.