Meniere disease, also known as idiopathic
endolymphatic hydrops, is a disease of the inner ear involving increased
pressure within the inner ear endolymphatic system. This causes the typical
symptoms of episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a
sensation of fullness in the ear, known as aural fullness. When there is no
known cause for this condition, it is known as meniere disease; with a known
cause responsible for the condition, it is termed as meniere syndrome.
Metabolic
disturbances, hormonal imbalance, trauma, autoimmune disorders, allergy, and various
infections can cause this condition. Severe attacks of vertigo can be
debilitating. The disease runs a chronic course with remissions and exacerbations.
Most patients eventually stabilize; however, with long term hearing loss and
imbalance as permanent features.
Modern treatment is
aimed at giving symptomatic relief from the episodic vertigo, which is the most
distressing symptom in this condition. There are specific medicines which are
used for this on a short term basis. In addition, medicines like steroids and
diuretics reduce inflammation and fluid pressure in the inner ear.
Ayurvedic treatment
can be used on a more comprehensive basis to treat all the symptoms associated
with meniere disease. Herbal medicines reduce the inflammation and swelling in
the inner ear both on a short term as well as long term basis. Other herbs help
reduce the inner ear damage and provide nutrition to the sensitive components
of the inner ear so as to help reduce hearing loss, and improve hearing to the
maximum extent possible. There are also some herbs which have a specific action
of treating tinnitus in the ears.
While acute, severe
vertigo is best treated with modern medicines, moderate level and mild vertigo,
as well as chronic and recurrent vertigo, can be treated more effectively with
the help of Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Depending upon the severity of
symptoms, patients affected with this condition may require treatment for about
4-8 months. Rasayan (tonification) level Ayurvedic medicines are also available
which can help to improve immunity, remove chronic inflammation, and prevent
recurrence of meniere disease.
