7) Migraines – Fluid buildup puts pressure on areas that influence migraines.
Most researchers believe one or more factors acting in combination are the triggers for Meniere’s disease. Once the disease takes hold, it has the added negatives of creating emotional stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Family doctors typically will refer a patient to an ear, nose and throat specialist, hearing specialist or a nervous system specialist for additional tests and diagnosis before a formal finding of Meniere’s disease is established.
There was some recent good news for Meniere’s disease sufferers. Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a strong tie between conditions that create low blood flow to the brain and Meniere’s disease. The condition seems to arise from two conditions – a malformation of the inner ear aligning with patients who have a risk for vascular diseases in the brain, including sleep apnea, migraines and atherosclerosis.
Inner Ear Pressure
In patients with Meniere’s disease, it seems there’s a problem with pressure regulation in the inner ear when fluid builds up. This causes decreases in blood flow within the ear, and when combined with vascular problems that limit blood flow to the brain and ear, there can be a sudden loss of blood flow similar to a miniature stroke. In young people, this usually isn't a problem because blood flow will continue. But add in the vascular disorders, and problems arise. The tissues that are used for hearing and balance are starved of blood, stop sending signals to the brain, and create the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss.