Hello.

I also suffer from AIED which is presumably attributable to my MS. Other studies have linked asthma, allergic rhinitis, Graves disease, hypothyroidism and other autoimmune thyroid disease to Meniere's disease . The nature of these autoimmune diseases in
the development of Meniere's disease have yet to be fully elucidated.

As you have experienced it usually occurs in one ear but may involve both. It is due to an increase in the fluid levels in the endolymphatic sac of the inner ear and increased pressure on the balance structures of semi-circular canals of the inner ear called the organ of Corti.

I'm sure you've experienced many of the symptoms such as feeling of increased pressure in your ear, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo and nausea. The disease is progressive and has three stages. Most treatments are palliative in nature and may include a course of steroids to reduce immune system activation and inflammation and physical/rehabilitation therapy You may have other medications prescribed to manage your /symptoms: diuretics to reduce your body's fluid volume, antihistamines to blunt allergic reactions, anti-emetics to control nausea, sedatives for associated anxiety and advise you to avoid caffeine, nicotine and chocolates. Some may also prescribe diuretics to help reduce your body's fluid loads.

I also noted that others have mentioned the use of rituximab. While it has been shown to be modestly effective with treatment effect/duration of 6-9 months, it's expensive and has a fairly long list of side effects. Other options you might discuss with your doctor is methotrexate or azathioprine.
Lastly, in some cases a surgical procedure,
called a labyrinthectomy, may be performed on the affected ear but it will result in permanent deafness in that ear which may be mitigated by placement of a cochlear implant.

There are a number of organizations such as the Meniere's Society and the Vestibular Disorders Association that can provide you with excellent, clinically peer-reviewed information on the diagnosis, causes and treatments of vestibular disease. While the Mayo Clinic and this wed-site and discussion groups are excellent sources of information re Meniere's disease, I recommend you look to these organizations for more accurate information on the best treatment options for your disease.

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