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I have vertigo/Mienere's Disease. Has anyone tried to break up the crystals with lasers? Have they been sucessful?

By March 29, 2010 - 4:57pm
 
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Had sinus infection last summer which settled in left ear and first big episode occurred about 3 months later and had another one 5 months after that plus several smaller ones lately. Just wondering if any new, experimental treatments are out there to give us permanent help!!!
Thanks

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I have had Meniere's for 12 years, had the worst form, Drop Attacks every 2 days for 2 1/2 years. The attacks lasted from 12 to 20 hours. I am now deaf in the right ear and have 40 - 50 percent hearing in my left ear on good days! The tinnitus in the deaf ear is terrible and is constantly changing tones.

I had the most potent steroids injected to the right ear drum, 3 times, very painful. But it stopped most of the Drop Attacks. They were looking at disconnecting my right ear nerves from the brain, but backed of because of other complications that could result from the surgery

October 16, 2011 - 11:05am
Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi horns1969 - According to the Meniere's Disease Information Center there is no "cure" for this condition.

You can learn more about Meniere's from the EmpowHER reference page:
https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/menieres-disease#definition

Treatments that may be helpful include the following:

Dietary and lifestyle changes that may help limit symptoms:

* Bed-rest during acute attacks of vertigo
* Avoid foods that are high in salt and high in sugar
* Drink adequate fluids
* Promptly begin replacing fluids lost to heat or exercise
* Avoid caffeine, aspirin, and smoking
* Minimize stress
* Avoid medications that seem to bring on or worsen symptoms
* Consider a hearing aid, if necessary
* Consider masking devices (white noise) to limit the effects of tinnitus
* Take safety measures to avoid falling
* Consider getting exercise therapy to rehabilitate the inner ear
* Restrict chocolate consumption
* Reduce alcohol intake

Medications include:

* Drugs to treat vertigo, such as meclizine or scopolamine
* Antiemetics—medications to help control nausea
* Other medications that may improve hearing, control inner ear swelling, or limit overall symptoms, including:
o Antihistamines
o Cortisone drugs for a short time
o Antidepressants or antianxiety medications
o Diuretics
* Aminoglycoside therapy (such as streptomycin or gentamicin) to permanently destroy the part of the inner ear that deals with balance

Surgical procedures are not always helpful, and include:

* Endolymphatic sac decompression—removal of a portion of inner ear bone and placing a tube in the inner ear to drain excess fluid
* Labyrinthectomy—destruction or removal of the entire inner ear, which controls balance and hearing
* Vestibular nerve section

A lot of additional information is available from the Meniere's Disease Information Center, including this page on alternative and complementary medicine:
http://www.menieresinfo.com/treatment.html

Will you let us know your thoughts after reviewing these resources?
Take care, Pat

March 30, 2010 - 5:25pm
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