Hi,
Meniere's disease is a disease of middle ear where there is increase fluid built up then normal amount required to propagate the sound to the nerves. The excess amount of fluid 'endolymph' cause various symptoms like,
dizziness (loss of balance),
tinnitus (ringing in ear), dual hearing, etc.
The cause of fluid built up is still unknown, but believed to be associated to number of things such as:
1) Head injury
2) Stress
3) Alcohol use
4) Vral infection - repeated
5) Family history
6) Allergies
7) Migraines
The best way to help your self is to reduce triggers such as:
1) Stress - from loud noises
2) Reduce caffeine intake (coffee),
smoking cessation and alcohol intake reduction
3) Low salt consumption - since higher salt in body leads to increase fluid collection and increase in blood pressure as well as endolymph
4) Your physicians may prescribe you diuretics to reduce the salt and fluid helping reducing the blood pressure and endolymph collection
No - specific treatments are available at this point. I would suggest you to go for
MRI to get peace of mind, but best know facts for Meniere's disease are as above. You may keep on going doctor shopping to find same answers over and over again or try to change your lifestyle and accept the new ways.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Jay Patel, General & Family Physician