Menière’s disease: attack-like rotational vertigo

Morbus Menière, also called Menière’s disease, presents with a repeatedly occurring, nauseating rotational vertigo accompanied with impaired hearing in one ear and tinnitus (low-frequency "noise" in the ear) or ear fullness.

Menière’s disease: attack-like rotational vertigo

 In cases where there is a chronological correlation between these three symptoms – the technical term is "classic triad" – a physician can diagnose Menière’s disease with certainty. The attacks normally subside after a few hours but force the patient to stay in bed during this period.

Learn more about the possible causes of Menière’s disease and how to treat acute vertigo attacks with our anti-vertigo medication Vertigoheel®.

The causes of Menière’s disease

The latest research findings see the cause of Menière’s disease in a malfunction of the inner ear, which is the result of fluid filling up in the cochlea and vestibular system. The inner ear is responsible for our sense of hearing and balance and consists of a very complex system of ducts. This duct system is filled with two fluids, endolymph and perilymph. Both are important for a smooth operation of the inner ear and in the case of Menière’s disease, an as of yet unexplained excess of the endolymph builds up. This increases the pressure in the inner ear and then causes tearing in the so-called Reissner membrane – a thin cell membrane located inside the cochlea. Many physicians consider this ruptured membrane and the resulting change in pressure as the cause of Menière’s disease and its typical symptoms.

How is Menière’s disease treated?

Even if in extreme cases an operation of the endolymphatic sac is worth considering, normally the treatment of the Menière’s disease is purely symptomatic. Vertigoheel is especially suitable for acute cases. The vertigo exercises we offer for download can also help alleviate the vertigo attacks caused by Menière’s disease. Fortunately, lifestyle changes can help you lead a relaxed life despite Menière’s disease and reduce the chances of an attack to a minimum. Integrating sports and other activities into your every day routine should be part of this new lifestyle. Negative factors such as stress, nicotine and alcohol should be avoided as well.