What have I got?

Hi EMS,  Do you have any feeling of ear fullness?   Do you hear okay in the effected ear?  Are you experiencing Vertigo?  I was Diagnosed in Octobor but have been suffering for 2 years.  Sometimes different Doctors have a hard time diagnosing until symtoms worsen.  I wish two years ago they had given me better advice. It's hereditary in my family as well.  I have found that Pine Bark 150 mg  and a natural Diuretic has really helped me .  I use Dandlelion Capsules.  I buy at the local GNC or Whole Foods.  You can also Google and read about the study online.  Good Luck.  I am sure they will give you a hearing test if you get to a good ENT.  That will help them Diagnose you!.  

Have you got hearing loss and ear fullness as well? maybe get an MRI and audiology report before you see ENT, that will speed up your diagnosis, good luck xx

I feel that my ear is full of wax but it isn't, is that what you mean. It's my left ear and that's where the tinnitus is. I hear ok at the moment but the tinnitus is always there and occasionally it does block out but not very often. The doc said I had vertigo yesterday but is sending me to ENT to look for definite. I'll look for pine bark as I'd rather have that than what they've given me. Thanks for replying x

Doing an audiogram will most likely clarify what you have.  ENT usually order this.

Eleftherios S. Papathanasiou, PhD, FEAN

Clinical Neurophysiology

Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology

Prochlorperazine is a powerful antipsychotic drug that is also used as an anti-emetic to control acute attacks of vertigo and vomitting. It is very sedative so suggest only use when you get the warning signs of an attack.

The advice you have received from others is basically correct. You need a clear diagnosis. But mean time ask if you can start taking betahistine, a drug designed to reduce hearing loss, and tinnitus as well as dealing with the problem in your inner ear. It is very safe and will not interfere with getting a correct diagnosis as it takes at least 4 weeks to become fully effective.

If betahistine succeeds in reducing the fluid pressure in your inner ear(s) then the vertigo and nausea will stop. It should also reduce the tinnitus and may reverse some of your hearing damage. It needs to be taken over quite a long period (6months or more) and if succesful could result in a long remission period. Your Consultant Auralphysiologist or ENT will advise.

This has been my experience. So I always carry Buccastem and Stemetil as a back up in case I feel an attack coming. And if that happens I go straight back onto high dose betahistine and ask for a review. So far this has only happened once!