Has anyone ever heard of a link between hypothyroidism and Ménière's disease or syndrome.

[Mia1057]

I have just been diagnosed with this and I am reluctant to add something else to my increasing list of hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism, coeliac disease, sarcoidosis, angina and high blood pressure. However the dizziness and falls are quite dreadful and I am now virtually housebound.

[helvella Administrator]

Unfortunately, there is some evidence of a connection. Both the papers below are available in full, for free.

I suspect that some cases do not get fully diagnosed and there could be confusion between Ménière's disease (MD) and cerebellar ataxia.

In conclusion, our data show a significant association between thyroid autoimmunity and MD, confirming the possible immune pathogenesis of the latter disorder and, for the purpose of applying an appropriate diagnostic–therapeutic procedure, stress the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach when there are symptoms that are not correlated directly with thyroiditis and which might nevertheless have a negative influence on the patient's quality of life.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

Cerebellar ataxia is also associated:

Ataxia associated with Hashimoto's disease: progressive non-familial adult onset cerebellar degeneration with autoimmune thyroiditis

M Selim and D Drachman

Abstract

Acquired cerebellar ataxia has been described with hypothyroidism, and is typically reversible by thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The cerebellar dysfunction has been attributed to metabolic and physiological effects of the endocrine disorder. In a few patients, however, ataxia has persisted despite thyroid replacement therapy. Other mechanisms may be involved in ataxia associated with thyroid disorders.

OBJECTIVE—To document progressive non-familial adult onset cerebellar degeneration (PNACD) occurring in six patients with raised antithyroid antibodies (Hashimoto's/autoimmune thyroiditis), and other autoimmune manifestations, in the absence of hypothyroidism; and to document the independence of the cerebellar disorder from the endocrine dysfunction.

METHODS—A case study of six patients with PNACD reviewing the clinical course and relation to endocrine and autoimmune status.

RESULTS—All six patients were euthyroid when they developed their symptoms; had raised antithyroid antibodies consistent with Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis; and had strong personal or family histories of organ specific autoimmune diatheses. Brain MRI disclosed atrophy of the cerebellar vermis in four patients and olivopontocerebellar atrophy in two. Other possible causes of cerebellar degeneration were excluded. De novo treatment (two patients) or continued treatment (three patients) with L-thyroxine did not modify the progression of the ataxia.

CONCLUSIONS—Cerebellar degeneration in these patients with raised antithyroid antibodies may be immune mediated. The presence of antithyroid antibodies may signal or cause the autoimmune process producing cerebellar degeneration. "Hashimoto's associated ataxia" seems to represent a recognisable and not uncommon condition; a trial of immunomodulating therapy should be considered in these patients.

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

These are only a couple of papers - there are others.

If you wish to go further, may I suggest you have a look at one of my blogs which explains a bit about PubMed, etc.:

thyroiduk.healthunlocked.co...

It is possible that other papers have suggestions of treatments which help at least to ameliorate the symptoms.

All the best

Rod

[Mia1057]

Thank you for all this.

[Hidden]

Yes I have meniere's. I also have chronic Tinnitus which has caused this. I do take tablets but haven't found them that useful. I have to be careful when I turn suddenly, and have had a few falls. I have 4 grandchildren , one a baby and I am nervous carrying him in case i go dizzy. Generally it is worse at night, turning over the room spins round and round, can make me very nauseous. Not sure that thyroidism has caused it, but the tinnitus is certainly a side effect and many suffer with it. Getting my first hearing aid shortly as I have very little hearing in my left ear.If you know of anything to help these conditions let me know. Take carex

[BevAnne]

I too have ear issues along with Hashimoto's - raging tinnitus, increasing deafness, pain and pressure in my ears and occasional dizziness (serious vertigo 2 years ago). It really affect my quality of life, but neither endo's nor ENT specialists have anything meaningful to suggest. Changing to T3 only has not made any difference. My sympathies to everyone in the same boat.

[Jackie]

Hi If you have auto immune thyroid disease, you are likely to gradually have many others. Meniere`s is autoimmune.

Best wishes,

Jackie

[LinDonaldson]

Hi there,

Do not know about any research but I do know I consistently hear my pulse in my head. It is a form of tinnitus which sometimes drives me to distraction. I find displacement activities are the only solution. I talk to the cat, spend hours on the internet, pay bills etc etc but sometimes I would like to just be still and relax. Meditation techniques such as being in the present are helping. I also occasionally go to Quaker meeting and when I sit in silence with others around me the tinnitus is not so bad.

The doctor did not prescribe Meniere's disease. Instead he diagnosed Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). I think this was due too the nystagmatism or rolling eyeballs (as I prefer to call it). Anyway it is likely linked to hypothyroidism. Either disease may have been originally caused by a virus. However, there is no proof.

Treatment for me anyway consists of a prescribed form of head rolling to try and re position any chemical particles that might have lodged in the inner ear. I have also reduced salt which does seem to make a difference. I also try to remember to sit and stand slowly and turn my head slowly. A great trick I learned from a physio is to wiggle my toes when I feel dizzy or the pulsing is worse. It works especially with the dizziness!!! Do not do any head exercises without consulting your doctor. Wiggling toes and reducing salt OK I think.

Regards

Lin