Tests/ Other Treatment Available for Menieres?

Hi are there tests available for Menieres Disease? Or any treatment other than tablets?

ENT - 1st visit, the consultant said it was likely I had menieres disease...gave me betahistine which made me unwell.

2nd visit, different ENT consultant said no definitive tests for menieres- he pointed out I had tried betahistine, phloclopherazine and cinnarzine - none worked all 3 made me ill/drowsy/sick now being referred to neurology for vestibular migraine.

Was wondering, is there a test for menieres?

My ENT consultant is also suggesting stress therapy. I wear one hearing aid, just feel a bit fobbed off by ENT. Still getting ear pressure build up, shakiness, tinnitus build up and distorted hearing. It is very distressing.

Consultant asked if I felt stressed and I said yes when I'm in the grip of an episode and I feel he has seized upon this and wrote in his letter back that this could be the cause, or vestibular migraine.

He said the fact that I had tried all medication for menieres meant he thought it more likely to be migraine...would appreciate any advice...thanks

[alpacagirl]

Sorry I don’t have any experience of Menieres, but it sounds as if you have some nasty symptoms - do you also have episodes of vertigo (when everything in your vision spins round)? I have vestibular neuropathy associated with hearing loss which did include vertigo to begin with as well as other symptoms. I was initially referred to a neurologist which ruled out anything to do with my brain or spine - so it could be useful for you to see a neurologist to rule out or in other causes. I remember how very stressed and anxious I felt before I saw an audiovestibular consultant who diagnosed my problem in 5 minutes😅. I have learned to live with my symptoms of oscillopsia and poor balance but it took a long time to come to terms with it. Tablets don’t work in my situation - in fact make it worse. Keep going until you get some answers, it’s hard to feel fobbed off or misunderstood.

[Hidden in reply to alpacagirl]

Thanks very much. I have a phone appointment next month with a Neurologist. Do you know how they distinguish between the two? It seems there are many overlapping symptoms with vestibular conditions/menieres symptoms?All the best.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I should add I used to get spinning sensation and nausea/sickness but for the past few months my whole body is shaking after ear pressure builds up and not so much giddy/spinning sensation...seems to have changed....

[alpacagirl in reply to Hidden]

I had MRIs of my brain and spine, the neurologist also did some little tests, turning me round with my eyes shut etc. I saw him twice and you can imagine how long this all took with waiting for each appointment and MRI appointments. MRIs and tests were all normal so he suggested my GP could refer me to an audiovestibular consultant. Then I was sent to audiology to test how much vestibular function was left in my ears (not much😅). In my case it seemed more ruling out a problem originating in my brain. Your case sounds more complicated I’m afraid but it will be interesting to see what the neurologist thinks - not sure how much they can tell over the phone though.

[alpacagirl in reply to alpacagirl]

I also had blood tests, both general and for inflammatory markers in case it was an autoimmune disease. My vitamin B12 was low which may have contributed to the whole thing.

[Hidden in reply to alpacagirl]

Just to add to my reply, how do you manage it? I feel I need to rest a lot abd it is quite unpredictable. Best wishes x

[Hidden]

That is really interesting...good you had a range of tests done. I have an autoimmune condition too, psoriasis and athritis..Did wonder if there is a link. That is fascinating, the vitamin B12 link. All the best. xx

[PABLR]

There is no definitive test for Meniere’s, and hearing loss one sided, tinnitus and a feeling of fullness in the ears are common symptoms. I had MRIs to rule out the possibility of a brain tumour. Betahistine is really for the vertigo. The other two medications I don’t know. When I had vertigo, fortunately not for years now and I hope it never returns, it would leave me completely exhausted and debilitated. The unfortunate thing is that even if you are diagnosed not a great deal can be done. Perhaps some control of the vertigo, and maybe you will have better luck with a hearing aid than I do.

[Hidden]

Thanks very much!