OTO 104 for Meniere’s disease – a miracle drug or just another steroid?
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The Mirror Newspaper reported in November 2015 about the case of an individual named Colin Breeze from the UK who was suffering from Meniere’s Disease. Colin received an experimental series of steroid injections with new a drug called OTO-104. OTO 104 is a continual-exposure formulation of the steroid dexamethasone.
After 3 injections over several months, Colin went from vomiting for up to seven hours a day and not being able to lift his head to now being able to enjoy life again vertigo free.
Although the Mirror ‘tabloid’ typically used the sensational headlines “Vertigo sufferers offered OTO-104 ‘miracle drug’ hope as patients notice instant improvement”, the treating doctors at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital were more cautious, saying “We can’t really say it’s a miracle cure at the moment because we haven’t finished the stage three of the trial so we do not know if Colin’s recovery was just by chance or whether it was down to the drug but the results are very encouraging.”
The thick steroid substance is injected into the ear and slowly dissolves over a period of months, helping alleviate the disease’s symptoms. Oddly the report also stated that the drug had not been tested on people suffering from dizziness which of course all Meniere’s sufferers experience daily.
Colin said, “It’s the most debilitating thing I’ve ever experienced in my life, the feeling was horrendous.
“After each attack I was exhausted and had to have two to three days off work to recuperate.
“I thought this is it, I’m going to lose my job and life. I’d adjusted myself to accept that the rest of my life was going to be a misery.”
If you suffer from the symptoms of “Meniere’s Disease” then you will know exactly what Colin means.
Anything that stops the debilitating symptom of vertigo must be a good thing. Although this is perhaps an exciting prospect for Meniere’s sufferers, as we repeat ad nauseam on Menieres-Help.Com, to rid yourself of Meniere’s and get your life back permanently you need to get to your root cause and eliminate it from your life.
This can be done, has been done by countless sufferers and is being done all the time. We know because we have experienced both the horrors this condition has to offer and that feeling of being reborn after getting our life back through dietary adjustments supported by quality supplements then finding and dealing with our individual root causes and eliminating them from our life. Thousands of emails from sufferers are also testament to this truth.
Without taking anything away from Colin’s wonderful news, we feel at Menieres Help that drugs, steroids and surgery are not always the best choice when you can overcome Meniere’s naturally and not only get your life back but live very healthily as a result.
OTO 104 for Meniere’s and other steroids
Steroids and other destructive procedures such as Ototoxic Antibiotics like Gentamicin and Streptomycin have been used for years with mixed results. Often there is success at first, only for the symptoms to return at a later date and in the meantime destroying nerves within the inner ear and possibly having nasty side effects.
Ototoxic literally means toxic to the ear.
As of November 2015 Colin had gone 200 days symptoms free in terms of vertigo. It remains to be seen as to whether this drug will be a major success but it is another option for sufferers to consider.
The vast majority of people who take the natural routes talked about on Menieres-Help.Com and in Managing Meniere’s Disease not only live symptom free in terms of vertigo, dizziness and tinnitus but many actually regain their hearing. This is something that is usually thought impossible by ENT doctors and audiologist.
A very noteworthy point about the steroid dexamethasone is that it is used primarily to ‘treat’ inflammation in conditions such as allergies, skin conditions, ulcerative colitis, arthritis and breathing disorders.
The main focus of Menieres Help for over a decade has been supporting our immune system so it is healthy enough to deal with inflammation within the ear (in more recent years the focus has been on eliminating the root cause of that inflammation).
We have often experienced negativity from some quarters regarding the insistence that inflammation needs to be dealt with despite the thousands that now live symptom free as a result, yet in recent times this seems to also be the focus of other clinical drug trials for Meniere’s including SPI-1005.
According to Drugs.Com the common side effects of oral dexamethasone include:
swelling of the fingers, hands, feet, or lower legs
trouble thinking, speaking, or walking
troubled breathing at rest
weight gain
Other possible side effects are:
Abdominal cramping and/or burning (severe)
abdominal pain
backache
bloody, black, or tarry stools
cough or hoarseness
darkening of skin
decrease in height
decreased vision
diarrhea
dry mouth
eye pain
eye tearing
facial hair growth in females
fainting
fatigue
fever or chills
flushed, dry skin
fractures
fruit-like breath odor
full or round face, neck, or trunk
heartburn and/or indigestion (severe and continuous)
increased hunger
increased thirst
increased urination
loss of appetite
loss of sexual desire or ability
lower back or side pain
menstrual irregularities
muscle pain or tenderness
muscle wasting or weakness
nausea
pain in back, ribs, arms, or legs
painful or difficult urination
skin rash
sleeplessness
sweating
trouble healing
trouble sleeping
unexplained weight loss
unusual tiredness or weakness
vision changes
vomiting
vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
Abnormal fat deposits on the face, neck, and trunk
acne
dry scalp
lightening of normal skin color
red face
reddish purple lines on the arms, face, legs, trunk, or groin
swelling of the stomach area
thinning of the scalp hair
Although these side effects are from taking the steroid orally, clearly having such an unnatural substance in the body has risks. Given the choice of such steroids inside your body or strengthening your immune system naturally and removing the root cause of your symptoms, therefore allowing your body to function as it should, which one would you choose?
What ever helps Menieres sufferers at least find relief is a good thing but it is disconcerting and makes one cynical when money is always found for new pharmaceuticals to ‘treat’ health condition but never to actually find cures.
Whenever there is a new drug trial just google it and you will find it all over business and money sites. That really tells you all you need to know in terms of motive and ethics and therefore the long term effectiveness and safety of many drugs.
Have you had any experiences with steroid injections for meniere’s? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
Can Amalgam mercury cause the symptoms of Meniere’s disease?
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If you suffer from Meniere’s disease and have amalgam fillings, you might want to consider the possibility that this could be a root cause of your symptoms. Here is why……
In 16 years of support work and 12 years of research and study we have seen Mercury toxicity to be at the very least a contributing trigger and more often than not (when present) it would appear an obvious root cause. Removal of amalgam fillings followed by a heavy metal detox seems to have resulted in the elimination of Meniere’s symptoms in numerous cases that we know of alone. More famously, Ben Zander’s case below is a great example.
Based on our research and experience Mercury toxicity through amalgam fillings is only one of several possible root causes of Meniere’s symptoms.
Bear in mind that in terms of root causes, what may be relevant in one case may have little to no relevance in another.
Amalgam however, is a very common theme among many sufferers.
Ben Zander, the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, almost had to give up his career because of the debilitating symptoms of Meniere’s ‘disease’ and almost lost his hearing. Cruel for a musician of such standing. He would have to leave concerts half way through.
“They told me it was Meniere’s disease and there was nothing they could do about it,” said Zander.
[I can not count how many times we have heard this…..and it is simply NOT TRUE. There is so much you can do.]
Zander went from doctor to doctor, and no one could help. He was eventually referred to biological dentist Dr. G. Robert Evans of the Groton Wellness Dental Spa and Medical Center. Evans traced his symptoms to the amalgam fillings in his mouth. Fillings that were partly mercury. Evans removed 15 fillings immediately. (See Ben Zander’s testimony on video below)
Mr Zander completely recovered after having the amalgam/mercury removed and has not had an attack since.
“Mercury is the most toxic non-radioactive substance known to man. It is 1,000 times more toxic than lead“, said Evans.
The American Dental Association said the FDA acted appropriately when it ‘found’ that dental amalgam is a safe and effective treatment option for the general public. But the ADA also supports the feds’ recommendation to continue review of existing and new scientific information as it becomes available.
However, “The World Health Organization declared there’s no safe level of exposure to mercury,” said Evans, who runs a mercury free practice.
“The fact that I got over my Meniere’s disease because I had the metal out of my teeth is not proof it caused a problem but that’s what happened,” said Zander, who said he has never missed another concert after having his fillings removed. [I am not sure how much more proof is needed?]
When a dentist removes amalgam and the mercury in it, it is so toxic that it can not be thrown away because it is deemed a environmental hazard. A toxic waste hauler is called in to dispose of it.
Dr Evans says,” If you took a good size mercury filling and placed it in a ten acre lake, it would warrant a fishing advisory that you can’t fish in that lake“.
Dr Tom McGuire runs a mercury free dental surgery and writes extensively on mercury toxicity. He explains,
“The majority of people I’ve consulted with do not understand just how devastating chronic mercury poisoning is to their health. Without this awareness it is difficult to fully appreciate the need for, and value of, participating in a mercury detoxification program that supports the body’s efforts to remove the accumulated mercury and heal the damage done by it.
I’ve also found that most people think that it is enough just to have their mercury amalgam (silver) fillings removed and, once they do, the problems they equate to mercury exposure from these fillings will quickly go away. When the mercury related symptoms don’t improve in a short period of time they often get frustrated and think that their amalgam fillings didn’t cause or contribute to their health issues. I believe that if they were educated about the destructive effects of chronic mercury poisoning more people would not only commit to having their fillings removed but also stimulate participation in a mercury detoxification program.
The first place to start this education is to realize just how toxic mercury is to the body, including how it does its damage and why it must be dealt with in a unique way. I believe that in order to effectively treat chronic mercury poisoning and appreciate the need for removing the accumulated mercury from your body, it’s critically important to see the big picture.
Mercury amalgam(silver) fillings are the main source of mercury exposure and nearly 200 million people in the USA alone have them. These fillings continuously release mercury as a toxic vapor and as much as 80% of the vapor enters the body. It is fat soluble and can enter every cell of the body and particularly harmful to the brain. The safest way to remove the source is to find a mercury free dentist. www.dentalwellness4u.com has the largest mercury free dentist listing in the world.”
Mercury is toxic in extremely small amounts, it can accumulate in the body over time, and contribute to or compound all manner of illnesses and the vast majority of sufferers will have no idea they are carrying the root cause of this in their mouths 24/7. For example mercury can:
Attach to proteins and enzymes and interfere with their normal function
Create autoimmune diseases and impair the blood and cardiovascular system
Interfere with, or overload, the natural detoxification pathways of the liver, kidneys, skin, and bowel.
Impair the function of the nervous, endocrine, immune, enzymatic, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems.
Increase allergic reactions.
Cause harmful intestinal bacteria, including Candida, to become immune to antibiotics.
Dramatically deplete the body of its most important antioxidants.
The emboldened words above highlight the amount of possible contributing factors to Meniere’s Disease that mercury affects. Autoimmunity has been linked to MD, impaired micro circulation has been linked to MD and improving blood flow has been shown to improve symptoms, MD has been linked to problems with the central nervous system, endocrine disorders have been linked to MD, supporting the immune system through diet/supplementation has been shown to reduce or suppress symptoms of MD, allergies have been linked to MD, Candida albicans/fungal infections have been linked to MD, high dietary intake of antioxidants has been shown to help reduce or eliminate symptoms of MD. (*MD- Meniere’s Disease)
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives: ‘Thyroid hormones in relation to lead, mercury, and cadmium exposure in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007-2008.’ It was stated that,” Heavy metals, such as lead (Pb), mercury(Hg), and cadmium (Cd), are known toxicants” and concluded with “Our analysis suggests an inverse association between Hg[mercury] exposure and thyroidhormones.“
Another study published in Environment International in 2012: ‘Mercury and thyroid autoantibodies in U.S. women’ stated, “Mercury exposure has been associated with cellular autoimmunity and mercury accumulates in the thyroid gland.” and concluded with, “Results suggest an association between mercury and thyroglobulin autoantibody positivity.”
There is still a reluctance by some in the medical community to accept the obvious link of amalgam to Meniere’s, despite the known toxicity of mercury. The fact that mercury is one of the most toxic elements on earth, the case of Ben Zanders and the countless Meniere’s sufferers who have contacted us over the past 12 years is evidence enough that you should not dismiss the possibility that it might be the root cause or a contributing factor in Meniere’s for many people.
You make your mind up, but I know I had my solitary amalgam filling removed and replaced with ‘ozone treatment’ in Japan several years ago. See ways to detox heavy metals including Mercury further down the page.
Amalgam mercury and Meniere’s disease videos:
Watch Ben Zander’s testimony.
Biological Dentist’s testimony to FDA on Mercury toxicity from amalgam fillings.
More FDA hearings on the history and deception of the use of mercury in dental fillings
Detoxing Mercury
If you remove amalgam fillings you may still need to detox and flush the Mercury from your body.
There are many ways of detoxing heavy metals such as Mercury:
To help your body excrete and eliminate mercury and other heavy metals try these natural detox methods below or use the heavy metal detoxification supplement at the bottom of the list:
#1. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is a mixture of magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium helps to regulate over 300 enzymes in the body. Sulfate helps flush toxins from the body and is necessary for the health of your skin, joints and nervous system.
Sulfate molecules are negatively charged and are able to both attract and extract heavy metals from the body. We know that the magnesium and sulfate in Epsom Salt penetrates the skin, so soaking in an Epsom Salt bath is a very gentle and useful detoxification practice.
Directions:
Mix 2 cups of Epsom Salts in a tub of warm water. Soak for 20 minutes several times a week. You may add in 1 drop of each of the following essential oils to enhance the bath. Rosemary, juniper berry and cilantro are good choices for detoxification and tangerine and geranium are purifiers.
TIP: To help the oils disperse, mix the oil into 1 tablespoon of coconut milk or the milk of your choice before adding it to the bath water.
#2. Cilantro & Chlorella
1. Cilantro is rich in many vitamins and minerals (potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, vitamins A and K). Studies also document proven antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Amazingly, Cilantro has been found to successfully remove Mercury, Aluminum and Lead from the body!
Directions:
The easiest way to incorporate cilantro into your healing protocol is to consume about ¼ cup of fresh cilantro leaves daily. You can do this in a smoothie or by mincing the leaves and adding them to your meals. Do be careful not to consume much more than ¼ cup of cilantro daily, because the chelating effects can be quite real.
Cilantro PULLS heavy metals out of your tissues, but you also need to bind it and excrete it. This is where chlorella comes in!
2. Chlorella absorbs heavy metals and facilitates their release from the body when you urinate. In a German study, high doses of chlorella were found very effective in eliminating heavy metals from the brain, intestinal wall, muscles, ligaments, connective tissue and bone.
#3. Garlic, Probiotics & Silica
1. Garlic has been scientifically proven to treat heavy metal poisoning by binding with the heavy metals so they they can be excreted rather than deposited in bone and tissues.
The allicin in raw garlic not only has significant antioxidant properties, but is also antifungal, antiparasitic and antibacterial. This is important for helping support immune health while your body is working to detox.
Directions:
Add crushed/minced garlic to your food daily. Tasty ideas range from garlic broth to a lively pesto.
2. Probiotics are protective powerhouses. An article from probiotic expert resource, BodyEcology, noted that “a 2012 study from the Lawson Health Research Institute explored the value of probiotics in those who have an accumulation of heavy metals.
“According to researchers, the friendly gut bacteria Lactobacillus have the ability to detoxify heavy metals. Other studies report that probiotics may be valuable tools for cleansing the body of the heavy metals lead and cadmium.”
Directions:
Add a daily lactobacillus supplement or consume plenty of fermented foods. Lactobacillus bacteria are prevalent in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kombucha and fermented vegetables. Not only will you be working to cleanse your body from heavy metals, but you’ll also be supporting great digestive health and a lower inflammatory response.
3. Silica–rich foods and herbs are great choices for a heavy metal detox. In a 2009 study, silica was shown to be protective in subjects with high aluminum exposure.
Aluminum is excreted via urine when you supplement with silica. Proper hydration and adequate vitamin B1 and potassium are necessary when using silica though.
Directions:
Try supplementing with a horsetail tea or tincture or focus on silica-rich foods for several weeks. Horsetail should not be used long term (an herbalist can guide you if you’re interested in focusing on herbs for detoxing).
According to the 1993 book Silica: The Forgotten Nutrient by Klaus Kaufmann, the richest food sources of silica are (foods are measured in 100g; Silica content is measured in mg):
Horsetail is a weed that is used as a diuretic and astringent in herbal remedies. The silica content of horsetail is unmatched and is likely the reason why people who use it give accounts of shiny, healthy hair, nails and skin. Beyond beauty, the silica in horsetail may also be a good choice for removing aluminum from the body.
The above stand alone herbal supplements may be able to help detox you of Mercury. Alternatively you can use a specific heavy metal detoxication supplement such as Folium pX or its equivelant.
Folium pX Immune System Support, Full Body Cleanse, Heavy Metal Detox, Mercury, Lead, Arsenic, Barradium, Gadolinium, Cadmium Poisoning, Super Antioxidant Supplement, Pine Bark, Grape-Seed Extract
Antioxidants are vital for everybody regardless but for the Meniere’s sufferer perhaps even more essential. Both pine bark (used in pycnogenol) and grape seed extract help blood flow and are both used to help ease the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
*October 27th 2020 update*
From Mercola.com: Consumers for Dental Choice have Sued the FDA and Won
FDA Admits Amalgam Dangers
“After years of pressure from Consumers for Dental Choice and its allies, the FDA finally admits the unvarnished truth about amalgam, noting that “Dental amalgam is a mixture of mercury and a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin and copper” that “releases small amounts of mercury vapor over time.”
The FDA warns mercury fillings may adversely affect people in certain high-risk groups and should be avoided
The FDA also advised against use of the misleading term “silver fillings,” and urges patients to discuss all dental filling options with their dentist
For help in removing your amalgam fillings and alternatives in the US:
Help other Meniere’s Sufferers. What are your experiences with amalgam fillings and Meniere’s. Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
Can gluten cause the symptoms of Meniere’s Disease?
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Updated September 2020
Could Gluten be a cause Meniere’s symptoms? Tests in the past have shown links to Meniere’s and problems with the digestive system . The health of the gut is essential for overall health, Gut issues such as IBS have been linked to neurological diseases, autoimmune diseases and Meniere’s disease.
In this article it suggests a connection between gluten and Meniere’s symptoms.
Extract:
Gluten and Balance
Meniere’s disease is a condition that manifests symptomatically as severe dizziness, ear pressure, ringing, and often times is associated with concomitant migraine headache. The symptoms can be debilitating and often lead to nausea, vomiting, and inability to stand or walk due to imbalance. Recent research has identified a connection between grain (specifically wheat) and Meniere’s disease. The study was published in the journal, Laryngoscope. The abstract is below:
Wheat is one of the most common food allergens found in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD). Gluten from wheat has been identified to have a etiopathogenetic role in celiac disease, IgE hypersensitivity to wheat disease, and recently to gluten sensitivity. The aim of this study was to verify the incidence of gliadin prick test response in patients affected by MD.
There were 58 adult patients with definite MD, 25 healthy volunteers, and 25 patients with grass pollen rhinoconjunctivitis tested with skin prick test to gliadin.
A total of 33 MD patients (56.9%) proved to be sensitive to gliadin, eight of whom were positive to prick test after 20 minutes, 13 after 6 hours, 11 after 12 hours, and one after 24 hours.
Gluten and Meniere’s disease – studies
Gluten sensitivity in Meniere’s disease. A cited clinical study paper on NIH
Extract:
Wheat is one of the most common food allergens found in patients with Meniere’s disease (MD). Gluten from wheat has been identified to have a etiopathogenetic role in celiac disease, IgE hypersensitivity to wheat disease, and recently to gluten sensitivity.
A total of 33 MD patients (56.9%) proved to be sensitive to gliadin, eight of whom were positive to prick test after 20 minutes.
Also on the NIH:
Meniere’s disease and gluten sensitivity: recovery after a gluten-free diet
Extract:
We report the case of a 63-year-old female with definite unilateral Meniere’s disease, osteoarthritis of the distal finger joints with mucous cysts and Heberden’s nodes, and constipation with recurrent abdominal pain whose symptoms remitted after 6months of a restrictive gluten-free diet.
The question is, is it the gluten itself; the modification of gluten or the chemicals used in modern farming processes that find their way into the wheat or grains?
We do know that we have received messages from sufferers who have symptom free after changing their diet and in some cases that meant going gluten free.
Gluten in the form we know today is a neurotoxin and of course the central nervous system has been linked to Meniere’s. Over the past 50 years, hybridization wheat grains has taken place to supposedly increase crop yield ( the results of that are highly debatable) and lengthen ‘shelf life’.
A protein called gliadin was added to grain. It is thought that higher concentrations of this protein has made wheat less digestible, which causes an allergy or reaction. Increased antibodies to gliadin, may have a negative impact on the neural system.
Almost 50% say gluten is an issue with Meniere’s
In September 2020, the question was asked in a Meniere’s social media group, “Has anyone linked their triggers to dairy or gluten instead of the sodium?”
Of the 37 respondents, 17 suggested gluten may be an issue:
Yes! Dairy is a HUGE trigger for me. Moderate gluten is okay but I get super fatigued and just off with lots of it. Sodium is no issue unless in ridiculous high amounts. As long as I salt to taste and cook mostly from scratch I stay in the moderate sodium range (2500mg give or take) and that works well for me
I went gluten and dairy free around March this year and noticed a massive improvement, more so than just watching my salt. But like everything with this disease it’s not the final answer as I’m currently in a three week spiral having changed nothing about my routine.
Gluten yes! Add sugar, salt, caffeine to that and its disaster. And dehydration
I removed gluten and dairy and I have done better! They are definitely triggers for me
Yes 100%
Yeah I got diagnosed with celiac disease
Yes.
Carbs/starches/natural sugars/regular sugar. Anything that breaks down as sugar. Although, I can’t tolerate much dairy, but that’s been for the last 23 years since I had my firstpregnancy.
Gluten and diary set me off. I’m on a high sodium diet and it doesn’t bother me
Gluten, diary, sodium all r triggers
Same, I don’t eat any of those, haven’t for years
I tried to stay gluten and dairy free as much as possible only because I believe Menerie’s is a autoimmune disorder and with any autoimmune you need to stay away from that stuff
Sure. You can also get allergy tested through a blood test and do allergy drops which help with food related symptoms like mucus, fluid retention, and dizziness which has helped my daughter. She also eats a low sodium and low sugar diet to help reduce dizziness.
Gluten is my number 1 trigger, and what I am figuring out is that it takes a LONG time to get back to normal after I’ve had an interaction, so sodium becomes a constant trigger until everything really settles down again. Once I get everything balanced out again I can eat and drink as I please, just no gluten
Yea gluten really bugs me. I have tried my best to eat a gluten free diet and it helps but not enough to cure md.
Help other Meniere’s sufferers. Do you have experience of Meniere’s and gluten? Tell us all about it in the comments box below or email Mike at meniereshelp@gmail.com
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits when you have Meniere’s Disease
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We recently received this helpful article from Ram Meyyappan of Social Security Disability Help. Hope you find it useful if you are out of work in the U.S. because of Meniere’s.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits with Meniere’s Disease in the United States.
Meniere’s Disease can result in sporadic episodes of vertigo. The spinning sensation and fluctuating
hearing loss can make it almost impossible to maintain the responsibilities associated with full time work
activity. If the symptoms associated with Meniere’s Disease have prevented you from performing fulltime work activity and have resulted in the loss of income, Social Security Disability benefits may be able to help alleviate some of the financial strain.
There are two disability programs that you may qualify for if you suffer from this condition, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Qualifying for SSDI Benefits
In order to qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through your previous work history. As of 2013, you earn one work credit for every $1,160 that you earn.
You can earn a total of up to four work credits per year. If you are age 31 or older, you must have a total of 20 work credits in order to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are under the age of 31, you must have worked half of the time since turning age 21.
For example, if you are 29, you must have worked four of the past eight years in order to have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may be able to qualify for SSI benefits.
Qualifying for SSI Benefits
SSI is a needs-based program. You do not need any work credits to qualify for SSI benefits. You must, however, meet the financial criteria that have been set forth by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In addition to proving that you are disabled according to Social Security guidelines, you must also not earn more than $710 per month as an individual or $1,060 per month as a couple. Your household assets must also not exceed $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple.
Meeting the Blue Book Criteria
The easiest way to qualify for disability is by meeting a condition that is listed in the Social Security Blue Book or a condition that meets or equals a Blue Book listing.
The Blue Book is a publication set forth by the SSA that lists all of the conditions that could possibly qualify an individual for Social Security
Disability benefits, along with the criteria that must be met for each condition that is listed.
Meniere’s Disease is covered under Section 2.07 of the Blue Book, which covers disturbance of
labyrinthine-vestibular function. According to the Blue Book, in order to qualify for disability benefits with Meniere’s Disease, you must be able to prove that:
• You suffer from disturbed function of vestibular labyrinth demonstrated by caloric or other vestibular tests;
• You suffer from hearing loss that has been established by audiometry.
To prove your disability to the SSA, you will want to include copies of certain medical evidence with your disability application. Examples of what should be included are:
• Bekesy audiometry results
• Pure tone and speech audiometry results
• Positional and caloric testing results
• Copies of polytomogram results
• Imaging reports of the skull and temporal bone such as CAT scan or MRI with or without contrast material.
For more information on applying for disability with Meniere’s disease, please visit:
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online (http://ssa.gov/pgm/disability.htm) or in person at your local Social Security office. You will be asked to fill out a number of forms including the Adult Disability Checklist, the Adult Disability Report, and the actual disability application.
If you are applying in person, you should bring copies of the medical records mentioned above with you to your appointment. If you are applying online, you will be provided with a cover sheet that will allow you to fax your medical evidence to the Social Security Administration.
Make sure that you do so as soon as possible to avoid delays in the processing of your application. You will receive a decision regarding your disability claim within three to six months of the date of your application.
If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, you have 60 days from the date of the denial notice to appeal the decision. If you need to file an appeal, you may want to consider retaining the services of a disability attorney.
A disability attorney can help you determine why your initial claim was denied and will help you gather the evidence that is needed to strengthen your claim.
Dr. Peter Wehling Founder of The Center for Molecular Orthopedics in Dusseldorf, Germany has developed a procedure where the patient’s own blood is taken, incubated and manipulated then reintroduced into the body and acts as a “natural” anti-inflammatory. Originally this was used for treating sports people to combat chronic pain, usually in joints. The treatment is called “Orthokine” therapy.
Orthokine Therapy is a form of injection therapy, which harnesses and enhances the bodies natural defense mechanisms against inflammation to reduce pain and improve function.
The Orthokine Procedure
Blood is taken from the patient. The procedure is carried out similarly to a blood sampling for laboratory testing and is not pain-associated
Blood is incubated at 37°C, which stimulates the production of IL-1Ra.
Using a laboratory centrifuge to separate the blood components, the protein is extracted
This extraction is filed in ampoules, later available in injection form
The protein is then injected within the painful area of the joints, using CT guidance
Typically, injections are given 1-2 times a week. Treatment for discogenic diseases requires 4 injections, while lesions of the joints of the extremities, a minimum of 6 injections are usually required. Following injections, patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise for a period of 48 hours. Some side effects may include swelling and numbness around the injection site, which may last around 2 hours
The ear is affected by inflammation in Meniere’s disease and the procedure is said to have been developed further where it may be possible for the hearing and balance nerves damaged by Meniere’s to be healed. Dana White, the UFC President recently received this treatment in Germany is said to feel “cured”.
Orthokine therapy, if available to you, is certainly an option worth investigating.
Can Orthokine therapy work for Meniere’s disease?
Orthokine therapy may come at a cost of a five figure sum and although is becoming more available it is still quite rare (at the time of writing). If you have the kind of money Dana White has then it has to be an option worth considering but for the vast majority it may be financially and practically out of reach for the time being.
As orthokine therapy is not a recognized specific treatment for Meniere’s disease it is unlikely you will be able to get this offered on national health nor be covered by insurance. You will need to find a private clinic and talk about your options.
However, identifying the root cause of your symptoms, be it viral, spinal and neck misalignment, exposure to chemicals or drugs, autoimmune problems, dental or Jaw misalignments or whatever, is possible and it is also possible to reverse the long standing effects and results of years of vertigo attacks and constant pressure within the inner ear that have caused hearing deterioration and balance nerve damage.
Help other sufferers. Let us know your thoughts and any experience with Orthokine therapy in the comments box below or email Mike at: meniereshelp@gmail.com
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The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
