Understanding and Managing Drop attacks in Meniere’s Disease
Table of Contents
Introduction:
One of the most distressing symptoms of Meniere’s disease is drop attacks. These sudden terrifying falls without warning can be potentially dangerous, especially for older adults. In this article, we will discuss drop attacks and provide strategies for managing them. It is important to remember that not everyone who suffers from the other symptoms of Meniere’s, such as dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss, experiences drop attacks.
Symptoms of Drop Attacks
Drop attacks are, without doubt, one of the most extreme symptoms of Meniere’s disease. These sudden falls without any prior warning are caused by a sudden loss of balance, and the person may feel as though the ground has given way beneath their feet. Others speak of a sudden feeling of being on a jet coaster and their legs are thrown in the air. It can be a surreal experience and a dangerous one.
Causes of Drop Attacks
The exact definitive cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. This fluid buildup can affect the balance and hearing systems, leading to symptoms such as drop attacks. In drop attacks themselves, it would seem logical that a sudden shift in either fluid or crystals within the endolymphatic sac puts sudden increased pressure on the balance nerves.
Frequency of Drop Attacks
The frequency of drop attacks in Meniere’s disease can vary from person to person. Some people may experience several attacks per day, while others may have only a few attacks per year. The severity of the attacks can also vary, with some people experiencing mild falls and others experiencing more severe falls.
Prevention
While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, there are steps that can be taken to prevent drop attacks. These include making certain lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding triggers. Medications can also be used to manage symptoms, such as diuretics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids. Physical therapy and assistive devices can also help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Management
Managing drop attacks in Meniere’s disease is critical to improving the quality of life for those who suffer from this condition. Lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, assistive devices, and surgery are all strategies that can be used to manage drop attacks. Making certain lifestyle changes such as reducing stress and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent attacks. Medications can be used to manage symptoms, while physical therapy and assistive devices can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls. In severe cases, surgery may be suggested.
Drop attacks in Meniere’s disease can be distressing and potentially dangerous. However, with the right support and management strategies, people with Meniere’s disease can live a full and active life despite the challenges posed by drop attacks. If you are experiencing symptoms of Meniere’s disease, it is essential to see a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sudden Drop Attack – JAMA – Video
“Drop attacks are sudden falls without warning that can occur without loss of consciousness or neurologic symptoms as a rare manifestation of Meniere disease. Patients typically describe a sensation of being pushed, thrown, or knocked to the ground or have a sudden illusion of environmental tilt causing the fall. This video shows a drop attack (also sometimes called an otolithic crisis, Tumarkin drop attack, or drop vestibular attack) in a 47-year-old man with Meniere disease manifest as longstanding recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus in his left ear. Pathophysiology is thought to be associated with sudden changes of utricle or saccule function or by sudden stimulation and mechanical deformation caused by pressure differentials within the inner ear or by a rapid change in electrolyte levels in the endolymph and perilymph.” JAMA Neurology.
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Understanding Cervicogenic Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
Table of Contents
Cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus are conditions that are less well-known than cervicogenic vertigo, but they can be just as debilitating. If you are experiencing symptoms of these conditions, it’s important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
What is Cervicogenic Hearing Loss and Tinnitus?
Cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus are conditions that are caused by problems in the neck, such as injuries, degenerative changes, or muscle tension. These problems can lead to changes in blood flow and nerve function that affect the inner ear, resulting in hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
When there is a problem in the cervical spine, such as a herniated disc or inflammation, it can interfere with the transmission of sound signals from the ear to the brain. This can result in hearing loss, which can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the condition. This can also result in tinnitus, which is a perception of sound that is not actually present in the environment, or rather a distorted signal from the vibrations picked that are turned into sound in your brain.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus can vary, but they may include:
Hearing loss or reduced hearing sensitivity
Ringing, buzzing, or other noises in the ears (tinnitus)
Dizziness or vertigo
Neck pain or stiffness
Headaches
Tingling or numbness in the arms or hands
What Causes Cervicogenic Hearing Loss and Tinnitus?
There are several possible causes of cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus, including:
Neck injuries, such as whiplash or other traumas
Degenerative changes in the cervical spine (neck), such as osteoarthritis or herniated discs
Muscle tension or spasms in the neck and shoulders
Impaired blood flow or nerve function in the neck and head
How are Cervicogenic Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Diagnosed and Treated?
Diagnosing cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus can be challenging, as these conditions can be caused by a variety of underlying issues. Your doctor may perform a physical exam, order imaging tests (such as X-rays or MRIs), and refer you to an audiologist for hearing tests.
Treatment options for cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus may include:
Physical therapy to improve neck mobility and reduce muscle tension
Medications to relieve pain, inflammation, or muscle spasms
Acupuncture or other alternative therapies
Surgery (in rare cases)
In addition to these treatments, there are several things you can do to help prevent or manage cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus:
Maintaining good posture:
Poor posture can lead to muscle tension and strain in the neck and shoulders, which can contribute to cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus. To help prevent these conditions, it’s important to maintain good posture throughout the day. This means keeping your head and neck in a neutral position, with your ears aligned over your shoulders and your chin parallel to the floor. Avoid slouching or craning your neck forward, and take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around.
Exercise:
Exercise can also help reduce the risk of cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus by improving neck mobility and reducing muscle tension. Simple exercises like neck rotations, shoulder shrugs, and chin tucks can be done at home or at work to help keep your neck and shoulders loose and relaxed. Additionally, balance training exercises, such as standing on a balance board, can help improve proprioception (the body’s awareness of its position in space) and reduce the risk of falls, which can cause neck injuries and exacerbate cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus.
Ergonomics:
Proper ergonomics can also play a role in preventing cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus. This means setting up your work and home environments in a way that supports good posture and reduces strain on the neck and shoulders. For example, using an ergonomic desk chair, adjusting your computer monitor to eye level, and taking frequent breaks to stretch and move around can all help reduce the risk of neck injuries and muscle tension.
In summary, cervicogenic hearing loss and tinnitus can be caused by a variety of underlying issues, but they are often related to neck injuries, degenerative changes, poor posture, or muscle tension. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medications, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. However, taking steps to maintain good posture, exercise regularly, and practice proper ergonomics can also help reduce the risk of developing these conditions and improve overall neck and shoulder health.
Brandt T, Dieterich M. Cervical vertigo – reality or fiction? Audiol Neurootol. 2014
Treleaven J. Cervicogenic dizziness: a review of diagnosis and treatment. J Orthop Sports Phys Therapy. 2011
Michiels S, Van de Heyning P, Truijen S, Hallemans A, Wuyts FL. The effect of proprioceptive balance board training for the prevention of falls in elderly people: a prospective controlled trial. Otol Neurotol. 2015
Understanding Cervicogenic Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Table of Contents
Cervicogenic vertigo is a form of vertigo that is caused by issues in the neck. It occurs when nerve signals from the neck are disrupted, leading to dizziness and a sense of spinning. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might be wondering what is causing them and how you can get relief. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about cervicogenic vertigo, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
Symptoms
Cervicogenic vertigo symptoms can be quite similar to other forms of vertigo, but there are some unique features to look out for. The most common symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo include:
Dizziness or a sense of spinning
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Neck pain or stiffness
Difficulty with balance or coordination
Blurred vision or double vision
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They can help determine if your vertigo is caused by issues in the neck or if it’s related to something else.
Causes
Cervicogenic vertigo is caused by problems in the neck, specifically the upper cervical spine. There are several conditions that can lead to cervicogenic vertigo, including:
Whiplash or other neck injuries
Arthritis in the neck
Degenerative disc disease
Herniated discs in the neck
Poor posture or muscle strain in the neck
These conditions can cause nerve signals to become disrupted, leading to the symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo.
Cervicogenic Dizziness-What is it? Mechanism & Diagnosis- Video
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are several treatment options available for cervicogenic vertigo. The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. Once you know that your vertigo is caused by issues in the neck, you can start exploring treatment options.
Some of the most effective treatment options for cervicogenic vertigo include:
Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can help improve neck strength and range of motion, which can reduce vertigo symptoms.
Medications: Your doctor might prescribe medications to relieve vertigo symptoms or treat underlying conditions like arthritis or disc herniation.
Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve alignment in the neck, which can reduce nerve signal disruption and improve vertigo symptoms.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery might be necessary to address underlying issues like herniated discs.
Cervicogenic Vertigo Exercises
In addition to professional treatment options, there are several cervicogenic vertigo exercises you can do at home to help alleviate symptoms. Some of the most effective exercises include:
Chin tucks: Tuck your chin in towards your chest and hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times.
Neck stretches: Gently stretch your neck to the left, right, and backwards, holding each position for a few seconds.
Shoulder shrugs: Shrug your shoulders up towards your ears, then release. Repeat several times.
Balance exercises: Standing on one foot or performing other balance exercises can help improve balance and coordination, which can reduce vertigo symptoms.
It’s important to note that you should always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have cervicogenic vertigo.
Vestibular Rehab for Cervicogenic Dizziness & Vertigo: Video
Prevention
While cervicogenic vertigo can be difficult to prevent, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:
Stretching and strengthening exercises: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve neck flexibility and reduce the risk of nerve signal disruption.
Avoiding neck injuries: Wearing protective gear during sports or other high-risk activities can help prevent neck injuries that can lead to cervicogenic vertigo.
In conclusion then, Cervicogenic vertigo can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are effective treatment options available. By working with your doctor or physical therapist and making lifestyle changes, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and start exploring treatment options.
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Study Finds Poor Oral Health Increases the Risk of Meniere’s Disease
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Personalized Medicine, poor oral health may increase the risk of developing Meniere’s disease. Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The study found that there was a significant association between poor oral health status and an increased risk of developing Meniere’s disease.
The study, conducted by researchers from Mokdong Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, examined data from 2.24 million adults who underwent oral health screening by dentists in 2003. The participants were followed up for a median of 16.7 years. The researchers found that 5.0 percent of participants developed Meniere’s disease.
The study found that there were significant associations between poor oral health status and an increased risk of Meniere’s disease. Participants with periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports teeth, had a higher risk of developing Meniere’s disease. The risk also increased with an increased number of missing teeth, with those who had 15 or more missing teeth having a higher risk of developing the condition.
However, the study also found that better oral hygiene behaviors, such as frequent tooth brushing of at least three times a day and dental scaling within one year, were associated with a lower risk of Meniere’s disease. The researchers suggest that these findings could be due to the systemic inflammation associated with periodontitis, which may significantly influence the development of Meniere’s disease.
In a subgroup analysis, the study found that periodontitis was more strongly associated with Meniere’s disease in younger subgroups and subgroups with low body mass index. The authors suggest that the systemic inflammation associated with periodontitis may have a greater impact on younger individuals and those with a lower body mass index.
The study notes in conclusion the importance of maintaining good oral health for overall health and well-being, as well as reducing the risk of Meniere’s disease. Regular dental check-ups, proper dental hygiene, and prompt treatment of gum disease may help reduce the risk of developing Meniere’s disease.
Maintaining good oral health is considered essential for overall health and well-being. Proper dental hygiene can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental check-ups, are critical for maintaining good oral health. Brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time can help remove plaque and food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing once a day can help remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. Additionally, using mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen breath.
A healthy diet can also help maintain good oral health. Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent tooth decay and erosion. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. Drinking plenty of water can also help keep your mouth hydrated and wash away food particles and bacteria. Finally, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of oral cancer and other oral health problems.
Park JH, Lee JH, Kim HJ, et al. Oral Health and Meniere’s Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study. J Pers Med. 2022;12(1):44. Published 2022 Jan 4. doi:10.3390/jpm12010044
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TMJ disorder, Meniere’s disease, and dizziness are all conditions that can be incredibly disruptive to one’s daily life. While they are distinct conditions, there is often a significant overlap between them, with TMJ disorder and Meniere’s disease frequently causing dizziness and other balance problems. In this article, we will explore the connection between TMJ, Meniere’s disease, and dizziness, including their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management options.
Causes
TMJ disorder is a condition that affects the temporomandibular joint, which connects the jawbone to the skull. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury to the jaw, stress, grinding or clenching of the teeth, and arthritis.
Dizziness can be caused by a wide range of factors, including inner ear disorders, such as Meniere’s disease, as well as neurological conditions, low blood pressure, medication side effects and musculoskeletal imbalances including TMJ.
Symptoms
TMJ disorder can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain and tenderness in the jaw, difficulty chewing, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and headaches.
Meniere’s disease can cause vertigo (a spinning sensation), tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss.
Dizziness itself can cause a range of symptoms, including lightheadedness, feeling faint, a spinning sensation, and loss of balance.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing TMJ disorder and Meniere’s disease can be challenging, as their symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. A healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may order imaging tests or blood tests to help diagnose these conditions.
Dizziness can be diagnosed through a variety of tests, including balance tests, hearing tests, and neurological exams.
Treatment
Treatment options for TMJ disorder and Meniere’s disease vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s symptoms. Treatment options for TMJ disorder may include medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in severe cases, surgery. Treatment options for Meniere’s disease may include medications to manage symptoms, such as anti-nausea medications, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance.
Dizziness treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Treatment options may include medications, lifestyle changes, or vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
Management
Managing TMJ disorder, Meniere’s disease, and dizziness requires a multi-disciplinary approach, involving a combination of medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding certain foods, practicing good posture, and reducing stress.
It is also important for individuals with these conditions to be proactive in managing their symptoms, such as by keeping a diary of their symptoms and triggers, and working closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Conclusion
TMJ disorder, Meniere’s disease, and dizziness are all conditions that can significantly impact one’s quality of life. While they can be challenging to diagnose and manage, there are various treatment options available, both traditional and complementary. It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms related to TMJ, Meniere’s disease, or dizziness, as early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the conditions and prevent further complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider to discuss your treatment options and find the best approach for your specific needs.
By understanding the connections between TMJ, Meniere’s disease, and dizziness, you can take the necessary steps to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. With the right treatment plan and management strategies, it is possible to live a fulfilling life despite these conditions.
Videos
TMJ, the Spine and the symptoms of Meniere’s
Jane’s Meniere’s Disease and TMJ pain relief story
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Schrepf, A., et al. “Pain and Inflammation in Patients with Meniere’s Disease: An Observational Study.” Frontiers in Neurology, vol. 8, 2017, p. 265. PubMed Central, doi:10.3389/fneur.2017.00265.
Help other sufferers. Do you have experience with TMJ and Meniere’s type symptoms? Let us know all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
