About 2 months ago, I started having vertigo, tinnitus and trouble with my balance. MRI and VNG were normal. I started VRT. It's helped a little. After 6 weeks, I can drive once again but still feel off balance when I move around too much or I'm very active.
My primary care passed the issue to my neurologist, who said it will go away and prescribed an antidepressant...which has made me feel awful and not helped one bit.
Had my hearing tested a couple days ago. Hearing was good, but the doctor noticed a difference when she tested how my tympanic membranes respond to pressure. She said she's not a medical doctor, but she suspects Méniér's. My physical therapist made the same suggestion.
So, I guess my next visit will be to an ENT, hopefully soon. Despite tests, therapy and time, whatever this is isn't going away.
The VNG was done nearly a month after the fact. I'm left with a feeling of fullness in one ear, a highly sensitive VOR, tinnitus and balance issues (feel tipsy despite not having any alcohol or substances to cause such). As for duration and number of attacks, I never thought to write it down.
Went to Doctors and no one could figure out what was wrong with me. Finally ENT diagnosed me with Menieres. I take Pine bark for circulation and Dandelion for a diuretic. Doing much better.
I'm hoping to see an ENT soon, maybe within a couple weeks with a little luck. I have high blood pressure so I've been on a diuretic for years in addition to a low sodium diet.
Your ent is going to ask you about the virtigo attacks, so you should try to write them down. Do you have them often? And you must have to remember if they were an hour or less if they were that terrible.
1. hearing loss in low decible range. This is a must for MD
2. vertigo that lasts at least 20 minutes and up to 24 hours that comes on unexpectedly.
3. tinnitus in affected ear
4. ear fullness in affected ear
5. muffled sound in affected ear.
If you have all 5 of these symptoms you very likely have MD. If you do not have hearing loss in LOW decible range, you do NOT have MD. An ENT doctor will administer the hearing test to evaluate and likely send you to have balance/eye tests to confirm MD.
Based on above, do you now think you have MD? If you do, I suggest you read the many comments/threads already shared on this forum. We can certainly give you tips on how to manage MD that will make your life more normal. Let us know. Good luck on your test with END!
I have all but low decibel range hearing loss. Guess I'll never know what this is. Losing hope of ever feeling normal again after suffering for two months and counting. Thank you for the information.
Well that is actually good that you are already on a diuretic. You could be much worse. Avoid caffine. Google pine bark for Mineres Disease. I can't tell you how much it's helped me. If I have any issues now I take a chewable non drowsy dramimine. But the pine bark can be purchased at any gnc , whole foods store or online
Don't lose hope yet! The ENT will administer another hearing test so that he/she can evaluate your level of hearing loss. if you do not have MD....that's great news. ENT will tell you what is happening to you and then you both can figure out proper treatment/management. Try to be optimistic...it's still early.
Thank you, Tanney! Having suffered from a brain parasite and two bouts of viral meningitis within the past decade, I know my brain has been through its share of trouble. It may sound strange, but I'll feel relieved once a diagnosis is made...no matter what. Thank you again!!