Do I really have Ménière’s and what can I expect next...?
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi. About 15 years ago i had a spell of labrynthitis episodes which lasted several months. My hearing was tested a few months later and was fine but the ENT consultant noted that he thought it had actually been MD, but nit to worry as over 70% never had another episode. about 6 years ago I noticed that i was going deaf in my left ear. I mentioned the MD comment to the ENT consultant but he disregarded as the pattern of deafness was like that in old age not MD. Fast forward to last April/May when I started having random attacks of vertigo that got steadily worse. By late summer it was getting to be crippling. I was losing weight because of the vomiting, had to take time off work and started to get nervous about leaving the house. fortunately I work for a very understanding company who let me work from home more. I also had a repeat hearing test that showed my hearing had deteriorated further and had noticed that my tinnitus had changed to pulsatile tinnitus. I had CT and MRI scans and BPPV was ruled out along with all the usual nasties. The final diagnosis was an MD-type disorder, but couldn't be definitive. i have had to surrender my driving licence and my car. i started taking betahistine in December and had my last vertigo episode on Boxing Day. I rarely take the betahistine now, unless I feel a bit weird, and have been symptom-free for 7 months. So my question is this - does anyone think I could have been misdiagnosed? Or is this just the start? How long might I be OK? I really want my driving licence back... I would very much appreciate your opinions on this.
0 likes, 2 replies
Eliza.Bos kerry95392
Posted
I wish I had an answer for you, but instead have more questions. Are you on a low sodium diet and have you tried making lifestyle changes? This helps me tremendously and my doctor believes in using this method over prescribing diuretics, etc. What kind of medication do you have for the attacks? I am prescribed lorazepam and, with it, I never get to the point of vomiting. Personally I've had periods of intense vertigo and experience hearing distortions. My doctor has always said it has the flavor of MD but I think diagnosis can be tricky.
I feel for you and have faith you'll improve!
tanney kerry95392
Posted
classic symptoms of MD are:
The only way to be sure if you have MD is to be tested by a neurotologist (ENT that has sub specialty in inner ear diseases). The tests are quite inclusive and take about two hours to complete. They test your balance, eye movement and total vestibular system to come to a diagnosis.
BTW.....Betahistine is a medicine that is most effective when you take it continuously.....it's a maintenance drug...not one that you take only when symptoms arise. And betahistine is most effective at higher dosage....at least 48mg/day. Many folks though need even higher dosage. I need 64 and sometimes 80mg/day. I have not had a vertigo attack since I reached my ideal dosage.