How can Ménière’s disease affect you?

Hello Group, I found this information, I wanted to share this. This is the best explanation I have found for how meniere's has affected me. I am in stage three and have been for several years now  

Symptoms vary between people and over time. The main problems are unpredictable attacks of vertigo with nausea and vomiting. Attacks can last from a few minutes to 24 hours. There may also be tinnitus, hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. Periods of remission between attacks can vary from days to months or even years; making Ménière’s an unpredictable and distressing illness. As it progresses the vertigo may be less severe; however there may be periods of imbalance, adding to the distress. In the later stages tinnitus is more prominent and fluctuating hearing loss develops. There is permanent damage to the balance organ and significant balance problems are common. Usually only one ear is affected, but up to 50% of sufferers may develop the condition in both ears. It is useful to divide the course of the illness into three stages:

Stage one (early): unpredictable attacks of vertigo

The main feature is intermittent attacks of vertigo which can last from a few minutes to hours. During the attack there is a variable amount of hearing loss along with a sensation of fullness in the affected ear.

Some people may experience tinnitus or an increase in tinnitus in the affected ear. The fullness in the ear and tinnitus may precede the attacks of vertigo, but they will often occur without warning. In between the attacks the hearing and sensation in the ear return to normal. There are periods of remission between the attack, which vary in each person making Ménière’s disease an unpredictable and distressing illness.

Stage two (intermediate): attacks of vertigo; tinnitus; hearing loss

The attacks of vertigo continue with variable remissions however may be less severe. After or perhaps before the attack the person may experience a period of imbalance and movement induced giddiness. Permanent hearing loss develops and continues to fluctuate with the vertigo attacks. Tinnitus becomes more prominent often fluctuating or increasing with the attacks.

Stage three (late): hearing loss; balance difficulties; tinnitus

In the later stages the hearing loss increases and often the attacks of vertigo diminish or stop. Hearing loss can be severe and distortion, loudness discomfort and recruitment can be a problem. There is permanent damage to the balance organ in the ear and significant general balance problems are common, especially in the dark The patient suffers from chronic dizziness and related nausea, There are usually issues with vision, since your vestibular nerve is damaged and unreliable, the brain becomes more dependant on your eyes for information to maintain balance. This can lead to a variety of vision problems, your eyes are busier than normal not only to provide you with a view, but to provide the brain with information about your body location. Visual stimulation can cause a major decline in balance information to the brain, such as grocery stores, sports events or anything absorbing your vision. The more you concentrate with your eyes. the less balance information is reaching the brain. 

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