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
Lee, A. T., et al. “Temporomandibular Joint Disorders and Associated Comorbidities.” Current Pain and Headache Reports, vol. 23, no. 10, 2019, p. 72. PubMed, doi:10.1007/s11916-019-0813-3.
Callahan, L. F., et al. “Temporomandibular Disorder and Comorbid Pain Conditions in a National US Sample.” Journal of Orofacial Pain, vol. 33, no. 1, 2019, pp. 11–20. PubMed, doi:10.11607/ofp.2316.
He, Z., et al. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Evidence of Structural Changes in the Temporomandibular Joint Disc in Patients with Meniere’s Disease.” The Journal of International Medical Research, vol. 47, no. 1, 2019, pp. 120–28. PubMed, doi:10.1177/0300060518814589.
Wiet, R. J., et al. “Dizziness and Otalgia.” The Journal of Family Practice, vol. 58, no. 6, 2009, pp. 322–27.
Jafari, S., et al. “Association between Temporomandibular Disorders and Vertigo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies.” The Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, vol. 46, no. 2, 2019, pp. 166–75. PubMed, doi:10.1111/joor.12734.
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
The hidden dangers of toxic mold and Meniere’s Disease
Mold and mycotoxins may be among the least spoken about serious threats to our health. The possible connections between mold and Meniere’s is not among the most commonly spoken about subjects when considering triggers and causes either.
Yet the possible connections have been known for many years. It is important to understand there can be many possible root causes and what is relevant to one Meniere’s sufferer may have little to no relevance in another.
According to Dr Mercola, “From a toxicity point of view, some mycotoxins (toxic substances produced by mold) are actually far more toxic than heavy metals, in terms of concentration. Mycotoxins also tend to affect more biological systems in your body than do pesticides or heavy metals, partly because fungi have the ability to dodge your immune system by rapidly mutating, while at the same time producing chemicals that suppress your immune system.”
He also says, “If your immune system is stressed in any way, or if you are extremely sensitive and have allergy-like reactions to a variety of agents then you may be even MORE sensitive to mold than the average person and have chronic symptoms directly related to mold in your environment. But even if you are generally healthy, mold can still pose a significant risk if you are caught off-guard.”
You need a healthy immune system to avoid Meniere’s symptoms, that’s a fact. We have seen for over a decade and a half that supporting your immune system with high quality supplements and a good diet has helped many people reduce their symptoms significantly regardless of their root cause.
However if your Meniere’s symptoms are a result of toxic molds, it may take specific nutrients in high enough levels to detox it from your body.
Molds have been associated with health problems that in themselves have been linked to Meniere’s such as sinus problems and autoimmune disease. Diagnostic tests for mold toxicity are very specific and one of those is a hearing test.
Toxic mold exposure has also been linked to neurological damage causing memory loss, insomnia, anxiety, depression, trouble concentrating, confusion. headaches, fatigue, nasal irritation and nausea.
Video: Meniere’s disease – Airborne allergies and Mold
In a study published in the journal Nature, ‘Proinflammatory cytokines and response to molds in mononuclear cells of patients with Meniere disease’ it was concluded that “Aspergillus and Penicillium trigger the release of TNF-? in MD patients and this could initiate or exacerbate the inflammatory response in the inner ear.”
Aspergillus and Penicillium are types of mold. There are hundreds of types of aspergillus molds and mildews that can be inhaled.
Penicillium is a fungus that grows on spoiled foods and can be ingested.
Video: Meniere’s, Tinnitus, Ringing of the Ears driven by Mold?
Solutions to toxic mold and Meniere’s
I personally suffered for 7 years with Meniere’s symptoms [ I bo longer suffer from the symptoms of Meniere’s disease]. During the absolute worst period of suffering I searched for mold in my house. It was the rainy season in Japan where I lived and at that time of year the moisture is incredible.
I found a huge patch of mold behind a set of drawers very near where my head would be while I slept. I immediately set about cleaning the mold and as a result very quickly brought on a violent vertigo attack.
It would be advisable to get a professional in to clear the mold because it may be all over your home without you knowing. If a professional is out of the question, then at least get someone else to clean it for you.
According to American mold expert Dr. Jack Thrasher, as many as 40 percent of American schools and 25 percent of homes have mold infestations, unbeknownst to the people occupying those buildings.
He says, “It follows that adverse health effects of mold may be reaching pandemic levels.”
Regarding humidity and mold Dr. Thrasher says, anything above 60 percent is going to lead to growth of mold and bacteria… People have to be very careful about this situation. That’s why I call it a pandemic“
If your home is prone to mold it would be advisable to (after clearing the mold) use an air purifier during the damp periods and make sure your house is well aired naturally in dryer periods.
Glutathione
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant produced in cells. Research suggests that mycotoxins in mold can decrease the formation of glutathione due to decreased gene expression of the enzymes needed to form glutathione.
Mycotoxin-related compromise of glutathione production can result in an excess of oxidative stress that leads to tissue damage and systemic illness.
Glutathione is needed to detox mold from your body. Your liver is your body’s main detox organ. This is where glutathione plays a major role in detoxifying your mold mycotoxins.
When there is not enough glutathione to eliminate the toxins they start to stack up in the liver and cause mitochondrial damage – your cells’ energy powerhouse – affecting glutathione production.
Glutathione has been shown to improve protein, enzyme, and bilirubin levels in the blood of individuals with alcoholic and nonalcoholic chronic fatty liver disease. A study reported that glutathione was most effective when given to people with fatty liver disease intravenously, in high doses.
Glutathione can be found in foods such as: asparagus, avocado, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli, garlic, chives, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, and walnuts.
However, dietary glutathione is poorly absorbed by the human body. Additionally, cooking and storage conditions can decrease the amount found in food. So if you have been exposed to mold mycotoxins it is worth supplementing pro-glutathione nutrients.
Milk thistle, N-acetyl cysteineand superoxide dismutase supplements can activate glutathione production naturally.
How does fasting affect your condition when you suffer with Meniere’s Disease?
Table of Contents
Fasting with Meniere’s disease, is it a good idea? Can it help or can it make things worse?
What you eat and do not eat, the regularity and size of your meals can make a difference both positively and negatively if you are a Meniere’s sufferer.
Dietary considerations are important for the Meniere’s sufferer and there are many posts and articles on this blog and the main site (Menieres-Help.Com) related to this. (see bottom of page for links)
I recently received two emails that both mentioned fasting, one suggesting it produced good results while the other suggested it might have affected her condition in a negative way.
Fasting with Meniere’s disease – the Pros and Cons
Positive:
Hey Michael, I’m doing pretty good. I’m taking more of the grape seed extract to stop dizziness. And thankfully it does help me. I have cut salt out of diet even with prepared foods. Sodium is so my enemy. I fasted for 3 days recently and had no dizziness at all. So I know it is food. I continue to be careful. God I miss potato chips. I recently realized that I may be harboring candida yeast in my body–saliva test positive……. Thanks very much for asking after me. I do appreciate your emails.
Negative:
Mike,
Thanks for answering. I kept telling the doctor this thing started out in my digestive system. I had very minor symptoms at the time in regards to hearing, and then the vertigo was so slight as to be interesting is all. But the GI system was definitely an issue, but I tended to dismiss it in hopes it would pass. I noticed the diet link from the outset, and remember telling the doctor I felt fine when I fasted and/or went longer periods in between meals. Unfortunately that has changed a bit now, and fasting became a bit of a problem in that it induces the menieres. that nausea and such was he precursor to any vertigo/dizziness, and not the result of it. I had neck tension that accompanied it, and at one point the tension and vertigo hit simultaneously or in concert, and the tension so powerful that it virtually strangled blood supply to the back of the head. You could tell by when it wore off, the tingling of circulation resuming. that cycle has stopped for now, but I’ve noticed a hint of it again, and the associated GI issues are popping up again. I’ve been keeping a log of sorts as to my diet and symptoms for a little short of 6 weeks now. Although I’ve detected some interesting information, I still haven’t got a definitive culprit yet.
On the one hand, if toxicity were an issue, gut problems or food allergies were present it would seem logical that fasting could help detox and as a result help the symptoms of Meniere’s. On the other hand, it is recommended that Meniere’s sufferers keep to regular eating times and not overindulge.
In terms of clinical studies I only found one listed that was any way related to fasting and Meniere’s on PubMed.gov dated 2006:
‘The effect on health of alternate day calorie restriction: eating less and more than needed on alternate days prolongs life.’
In the study it was stated that,
“Restricting caloric intake to 60-70% of normal adult weight maintenance requirement prolongs lifespan 30-50% and confers near perfect health across a broad range of species.”
It went on to state,
Since May 2003 we have experimented with alternate day calorie restriction, one day consuming 20-50% of estimated daily caloric requirement and the next day ad lib eating, and have observed health benefits starting in as little as two weeks, in insulin resistance, asthma, seasonal allergies, infectious diseases of viral, bacterial and fungal origin (viral URI, recurrent bacterial tonsillitis, chronic sinusitis, periodontal disease), autoimmune disorder (rheumatoid arthritis), osteoarthritis, symptoms due to CNS inflammatory lesions (Tourette’s, Meniere’s) cardiac arrhythmias (PVCs, atrial fibrillation), menopause related hot flashes.
This may be of greater significance than realized at first glance as, although Meniere’s is mentioned directly, it also mentions conditions that have been linked to Meniere’s: seasonal allergies, viral, fungal and bacterial infections, sinusitis and autoimmune disorders.
Regular fasting in general is believed to be very beneficial to human health.
Dr Ed Group of the Global Healing Center explains the benefits of fasting for health in general, while some points can be directly related to Meniere’s. (see the emboldened below)
“Therapeutic fasting dates back to Hippocrates, who prescribed it for many ailments. At the time, it was the only successful way to reduce seizures in epileptic children and remained so until the 20th century.
Many people find that fasting sharpens their mind and provides mental clarity. Interestingly, many of the benefits of fasting don’t result directly from fasting itself, but from the effects of reduced calorie intake, decreased fat composition, better sleep, less diet-related inflammation, and lower intake of salt.
Blood pressure tends to fall during the fasting state, primarily during the first week of fasting. This effect seems to result from a lower salt intake and a detoxification of accumulated salt through the urine. Since excess sodium causes your body to retain water, lower sodium levels lead to better fluid balance in your tissues.
Fasting and calorie restriction inhibits the production of free radicals and irritating proteins like inflammatory cytokines.
Fasting triggers the recycling of old white blood cells—the cells that comprise much of your immune system. Recycling these immune cells leads to a more competent immune system. It works by triggering the regeneration of the stem cells that become your platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells when you begin eating again.
Researchers found that the effects of fasting on blood sugar and insulin levels also improves the brain’s response to mental stress and protects it from stress-related damage.”
Fasting is not starvation and there are many types of fasting depending your required results or reason for doing so.
The obvious problem for some with Meniere’s may be the need to eat at regular intervals. I did not find much in terms of fasting from the 9000 odd emails to Meniere’s Help from sufferers, so I posed a simple question in three online Meniere’s groups on FB.
The responses were an interesting mix of positive and negative experiences with some somewhat neutral, though not all were from experiences of what you might call true fasting, and not fasting related to Meniere’s, they were revealing none the less:
Question posted: “Has anybody tried fasting? What were your experiences, positive or negative?”
Positive comments:
“I don’t eat a lot as it is and I have never had a problem with fasting.”
“It definitely helps me, however I haven’t found any food triggers. It’s mainly stress and poor sleep that affect me.”
“If the MD in you has an autoimmune component, it should help. If it helps, then when you reintroduce the trigger foods, the MD will rear its ugly head again. Keep a food dairy. That will help you identify the food triggers.”
“I only eat fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat. Mostly chicken and turkey. I do not eat processed foods, fast foods, carbs, sugar and limit sodium intake and caffeine. I drink a gallon and a half of water every day. I exercise riding a stationary bike and lifting weights. With this and the meds I am taking…I am attack and dizzy free now for going on 3 weeks. Was having 1-2 attacks everyday for a month.”
“I do an intermittent fast once in a while. About 500 calories for the day. However, I try to maintain my sodium levels throughout the day for consistency. I drink an electrolyte drink to help with this. I’m doing well with it!”
“I do a fasting diet and it is ok if I’m careful and plan my food and day well. If I take some time off the diet I struggle for the first week back on it so have to do it gradually, e.g. instead of going straight back to a 500 calories day I’ll do some 800 calories days first
(It’s the 5:2 diet, 500 calories 2 days a week and eat normally the rest of the time)”
“I had to fast last week for a medical procedure. Clear liquid diet for 24 hours. I got a headache but no other problems at all.”
“I do fast with MD. Key is to Drink lots of water with electrolytes. If you are going to fast for more than 24 hours, break your fast every 12 with a snack. It’s not recommended to fast more than three days for even a healthy person. This is a true fast. I do this once a month for religious purposes. Of course, there are times, when it’s just not possible.”
“I have an attack… I cut way back on my foot intake only eating very low sodium and next to nothing in general. This seems to make my hearing and symptoms better.”
Negative Comments:
“If I don’t eat something, it seems to make my Menieres worse”
“I used to fast but since menieres do not anymore. Body just doesn’t cope I get very dizzy etc”
“I would be extremely sick were I to fast.”
“I get dizzy if I miss lunch x”
“I wouldn’t try it x”
“I have bad eating habits. Low blood sugar triggered me.”
“I used to be able to fast when I was initially diagnosed about 8 years ago but in the last 3 years or so I can’t fast. I take Serc three times daily and found that I must keep hydrated and eat timelously otherwise my symptoms increase e.g. Pressure in my ears”.
“I can’t fast, I get so dizzy and nausea”
“Very bad”
“I eat as soon as I get up, & take my meds. Or I will……”
“I have to eat regularly, otherwise I feel quite poorly”
“I can’t. If I go too long between meals I will get a vertigo attack.”
reply to above: “Same for me”
“I have to do this on Thursday…. I am concerned. I always get the spins from not eating”
“I have tried twice to have a colonoscopy, but the prep from it – liquids only – made me so sick with vertigo that I won’t be able to have it done. I, too, start feeling off if I haven’t eaten for a long time.”
Neutral Comments:
“I haven’t fasted since MD started.”
“No haven’t tried fasting. Like food too much, but what I eat affects me and if I eat too much with indigestion I become off balance and very sick with lots of burping and then I pee a lot. Body trying to eliminate. Probably need a diuretic bit I feel totally drained and exhausted when I take them bit when I get attack I pee every 5 minutes. It’s the body’s way of telling me you have excess fluid.”
“I am on a very low calorie diet and sometimes I get quite dizzy.”
“I had to when the doctors where trying to figure out why I was so fatigued. It didn’t really effect me. The only problem I had was migraines from detoxing from caffeine. If you do it under doctor’s order it should effect you but everyone is different.”
“It affects all of us differently. If you choose to fast take it easy, increase water intake and decrease sodium.”
“I tried fasting to see if food made me feel worse in the afternoons. It didn’t affect my symptoms one way or the other. But it was only one day.”
“Patients are recommended to eat small meals several times per day. I think blood sugar levels can bring on attacks.”
“I have to eat rite away fasting is done otherwise I’m not in good shape”
“Several small meals seems to be the best for me. Not eating frequently enough is a trigger and heavy meals make me very tired. I have been tested numerous times for diabetes including testing at home but blood sugar is OK.”
What can be taken away from this?
Well it is known already that diet can be vitally important with Meniere’s and gut issues and food allergies can play a role in some people. We have long established that everyone is different, with differing general health states, fitness levels, contributing conditions, environments and mental states. Hence the mixed bag of comments above.
Fasting as a means of improving your condition would depend on many other aspects in your life, not just the fact you have Meniere’s. The possibility should be considered that if true fasting were to take place over a 3 day period for example, it may be that symptoms could get worse before getting better.
I think it is safe to say that always keeping hydrated is very important.
The advice given in one comment above is sound, and that is it should be done under professional supervision or with at least a good knowledge of what you are doing.
Types of Fasting
There are several types of fasting.
Diagnostic Fast: On the advice of a doctor before surgery or blood test etc.
Dry Fast: dry fasting involves not eating or drinking anything during the fasting period. Considering the need to stay hydrated for the Meniere’s sufferer, this would seem not advisable.
Liquid Fast or Water Fast: only drink fluids and avoid eating solid foods.
Juice Fast: Juice cleansing, is a type of liquid fast lasting 3-5 days. It’s usually conducted with detoxification or weight loss in mind. Juice fasts include organic, cleansing fruit and vegetable juices.
Partial Fast: The two kinds of partial fasting are: 1. similar to liquid fasting except you may eat small amounts of solid food. 2. excludes certain foods for an extended period. Many people give up carbohydrates, alcohol, or red meat during this fast.
Intermittent Fast: Alternating periods of fasting and eating. There are many ways to conduct an intermittent fast.
Alternate-day Fast: fast for at least 24 hours. Some people choose to extend alternate-day fasts up to 36 hours. Make sure to drink plenty of water or healthy fluids in an alternate-day fast.
Extended Fasting: Extended fasts are usually 48 hours without eating, but they can last up to a week or longer.
Ketogenic Fast: Ketogenic fasts push your body into the fat burning state known as ketosis. A ketogenic fast is similar to a partial fast in that it includes a small amount of food. The two differ in the types of food consumed. On a ketogenic fast, you only consume fatty foods to shift your body into ketosis.
Help Other Meniere’s sufferers. Do you have experience with fasting and Meniere’s disease? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
On May 7th 2017 an article was published by The Express newspaper online with the headline,”Ménière’s disease sufferer: Getting my life back“
In the article a British Meniere’s sufferer explained mainly how her positive attitude has helped her.
The mind can be very powerful as we can see from a positive point of view in the placebo effect with many illnesses and conversely how stress, worry and anxiety can increase the symptoms of Meniere’s.
In the Express article Kelly Boyson described how the drugs given to her did not help and how she became like prisoner in her own home for eight months.
Kelly said, “I have left-side Méniere’s rather than in both ears so for me, the first indication is losing pressure in that ear, similar to when you’re landing in a plane. Next, I can’t hear anything and then tinnitus starts. By then, my head’s spinning, I’m feeling sick, I can’t stand up, my coordination goes and I lose control of my body.
I get about two minutes’ warning before the full attack occurs. There is nothing I can do to prevent it.
I just have to let it run its course, which can be up to three hours.
There is no cure for Ménière’s, just treatments you can try to ease symptoms. After my diagnosis, I was treated with steroid injections and in November 2015, I had a grommet placed in my ear to help reduce pressure. That worked for a while until it dropped out. But nothing’s worked particularly well so I don’t take medication now.
I’ve changed the way I eat, as a low-salt diet can help reduce the amount of attacks. I also take Salovum, which is concentrated egg yolk powder, to help reduce inflammation and it seems to be working. Although I still get tinnitus, I haven’t had a severe attack for months. It’s brilliant because I feel like I’m getting my life back on track.”
Tackling the inflammation that is causing the symptoms is something discussed at length in The Need for Balance – Dealing with the Causes of Meniere’s where identifying the root cause of that inflammation and resulting Meniere’s symptoms in general then how to deal with it.
The use of Salovum and its partner product spc-flakes are made by a Swedish company. The claims are that it is a treatment for patients who suffer from various inflammatory conditions and are presumed to have a low amount of AF, therefore normalizing fluid flow.
This is of clinical significance for Meniere’s, Vertigo and Migraine. It has also been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect which was seen in studies of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) like Colitis Ulcerosa and Crohn’s disease.
What is “AF” and why is this significant to the Meniere’s sufferer?
A 2010 clinical study published in Acta Otolaryngol and listed on PubMed.gov came to the conclusion:
“Intake of antisecretory factor (AF)-inducing SPC-flakes significantly reduced vertigoin patients suffering from Ménière’s disease (MD). The positive effect may be due to a modulation of the transport of water and ions in the endolymphatic space.”
Whenever I do research into any possible cause or solution for Meniere’s (and there are several of both: see here ) I always check how many of the emails I have received from sufferers over the past 13 years mention them. In this case only one email discussed SPC-Flakes. That said it is a very useful email. Howard who lives in Japan wrote this in 2015:
Dear Menieres Help.com,
My main complaint now with Menieres is distorted visual signals. Damaged oculomotor reflex due to distension of the inner ear labryinth by endolymphatic hydrops. Oscillopsia. Dizziness when I move the head. Visual objects move to the right when I move the head to the left.
At first I thought that the previous attacks of rotational vertigo had depleted the population of vestibular hair cells to the point where I am no longer able to regain a proper oculomotor reflex. But since I sometimes seem to have some degree of improvement, and then I lose it again, this cannot be a permanent cellular defecit. I think it is better explained by a fluctuating endolymphatic volume.
It would appear that the No. 1 thing to do to prevent total loss of vestibular function when “burnout” eventually comes along, i.e., to prevent total destruction of the membranous labyrinth due to swelling of the canals, is to collapse the labyrinth back to its normal size and shape by doing either one, or both, of 2 things.
1) remove excess endolymph by attempting to reabsorb the excess fluid,
2) stop over-production of endolymph.
I think we’re more interested in 2), stopping the overproduction of endolymph. If it could be done permanently, that would have to be far, far more effective in restoring the balance.
As you know, in Sweden, it was found that when Menieres patients consumed SPC flakes for 2 or 3 months, the hydrops temporarily resolved in about half of the patients. When they stopped consuming, the symptoms returned a few weeks later, but further consumption for a few days brought things back to normal again.
Since SPC flakes up-regulates anti-secretory factor (AF) in the blood, it is clear as crystal that up-regulation of AF must be our primary therapeutic target. But not temporarily. Permanently. Further Internet research reveals that the hormone vasopressin retains water in the semicircular canals by acting via aquaporins. It is evident that if production of AF were to stop, there would be no brake on vasopressin and so the canals are bound to distend and swell. Both vasopressin and AF are apparently produced by the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland is the part of the human body damaged most easily by background, low level radiation. So it comes as no surprise to learn that there has been a 600% increase in Ménière’s disease in Fukushima Prefecture here in Japan in the 3 years following the nuclear disaster:
I believe that this indirectly gives us a pointer to the way in which we should try to permanently resolve this insidious condition. Namely, permanently restore serum levels of AF by permanently re-balancing pituitary hormone secretions.”
Howard makes good points about the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is part of the endocrine system and both the endocrine system in general and particularly the thyroid gland (also affected by radiation) have been linked to causing Meniere’s symptoms.
I cannot state with any authority whether Salovum and SPC Flakes have helped or can help Meniere’s symptoms or not. I never personally used either during the 7 years I suffered ( I have been free of Meniere’s since 2012 – read my story here ) and from 13 years of correspondence with sufferers I have not received any reports, either positive or negative.
Salovum is now available in the UK on prescription and SK Flakes can be purchased in the US.
Whether this treatment is legit or not, whether the results are real or placebo, as suggested by some, the fact is it is a ‘treatment’. If this treatment can eliminate vertigo then it should be taken seriously and must be worth trying.
Is it possible that Salovum or SPC-Flakes Stop Vertigo in Meniere’s Sufferers?
It seems possible given the above but there are simply not enough first hand accounts known to Meniere’s Help to comment more than that.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Have you had any experience with Salovum or SK Flakes? email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com or tell us all about it in the comments box below.
Meniere’s Disease or Chiari malformation – which is it?
In my books I cover at length the idiopathic nature of MD and the fact that ‘Meniere’s’ is simply a label for a set of symptoms, the root cause of which can vary from person to person. By identifying the root cause or causes of your Meniere’s disease symptoms in your individual case and correcting or eliminating these causes, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the symptoms themselves.
I recently received an email from the husband of a long term Meniere’s sufferer looking for answers. His wife had recently had a drop attack and ended up in hospital where she was diagnosed with ‘Type 1 Chiari Malformation’.
Study shows Chiari patients have “Meniere’s like syndrome”
In a four year study of 364 Chiari patients (http://asap.org/index.php/medical-articles/four-year-study-of-chiari-i-malformation/) it was found that 74% patients had “Meniere’s like syndrome “: dizziness, disequilibrium pressure in ears, tinnitus, decreased hearing, true vertigo and nystagmus.
This would perhaps be of particular interest to Meniere’s sufferers who also suffer from Migraines as Chiari often results in headaches.
Muskuloskeletal imbalances in the back, neck or jaw are commonly found root causes of Meniere’s symptoms. After correction or treatment in most cases symptoms are reduced or eliminated altogether. The reason that in some cases symptoms are not 100% eliminated may be that there is more than one root cause present in addition to long term damage to hearing nerves.
As I point out in The Need for Balance and back up with scientific medical data, statistics and the experiences of sufferers, there may be more than one cause in each individual case. So it is important to cover all possibilities and deal with them accordingly.
The connection to Meniere’s and mukuloskeletal imbalances such as in the spine is often dismissed by mainstream medicine however the data proves otherwise. In the four year study of Chiari it was found that, in all 364 patients the most common and reliable finding was compression of the CSF spaces posterior and lateral the cerebellum.
Chiari patients are often not aware of the problem. Meniere’s sufferers are often not aware they have neck or spine issues. When chiropractic manipulation is not successful in reducing Meniere’s symptoms in those aware of neck problems, it may be prudent to get checked for Chiari.
According to Mayo clinic Chiari malformation type I occurs when the section of your skull containing a part of your brain (cerebellum) is too small or is deformed, thus putting pressure on and crowding your brain. The lower part, or tonsils, of the cerebellum are displaced into your upper spinal canal.
Dr. Thomas Milhorat, Professor and Chairman of Neurosurgery University of NY, Brooklyn explains things slightly differently:
“CSF [Cerebrospinal fluid] that is compressed has to go somewhere. In man, under normal conditions, we secrete spinal fluid. We can increase that secretion but we cannot decrease it. It happens at .37 cc every minute of our lives. When we’re upright, sleeping, running, resting. We produce 500 cc a day. It’s formed in the ventricles, circulates down through the 3rd ventricle into the aqueduct of Sylvius, into the 4th ventricle. It exits and then it surrounds all the structures of the nervous system. There is a watery bath between brain, spinal cord, cerebellum and the inner table of the skull. In Chiari patients there is reduced volume. Where does it go? Some of it is distributed up into the head, squeezed up and some is squeezed down and this may very well contribute to the formation of SM in some patients. We believe this displacement of spinal fluid into the cranial cavity may be a suitable explanation for the typical Chiari Symptoms. Distribution of CSF out of the posterior fossa into the semi-circular canals can produce in some a sea-sickness syndrome- dizziness, disequilibrium, pressure in the ears, tinnitus, and so forth. It appears to all begin with a too small posterior fossa that compresses the spinal fluid at the back of the head.
Direct bony pressure can also produce complaints. If the compression of the skull is too great, if the retroflexed odontoid (basilar impression) is too great you can have direct compression of cranial nerves or even brainstem. That can produce problems with swallowing, sleep apnea, hoarseness, tremors, and palpitations. Symptoms of Chiari I appear to be due to two basic phenomena that share in common a small back of the skull, a bony dysplagia of the base of the skull and cervical-medullary junction. These are increase of CSF pressure both in the head and in the spinal canal and direct compression of nervous structures. It is not a malformation of the brain itself.”
You can take three things from this article. One, that Chiari should be on your list of possible root causes to investigate. Two, musculoskeletal imbalances are a very real possibility for you to consider.
It would seem Chiari malformation is quite rare and there are many other reasons you may be suffering the symptoms of Meniere’s. That said it may be worth getting checked for this possibility.
Video: What are the symptoms of Chiari Malformation?
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Do you have experience with neck/spine issues and Meniere’s or Chiari? Tell us all about it in the comment boxes below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
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