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WHAT IS MÉNIÈRE’S DISEASE?
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear, affecting the vestibular system.
This disease causes episodes of vertigo, dizziness, loss of balance, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus and sudden hearing loss. This is a chronic condition that usually starts after a physical accident, injuring the head or neck (80% of cases).
It then gradually builds up over time, usually affecting one ear and resulting in deterioration in hearing and quality of life for sufferers in Singapore. Research shows the average time between the initial injury and the symptoms start is 15 years!
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Symptoms of Ménière’s Disease
The symptoms of Meniere’s disease are caused by a fluid imbalance (endolymph) resulting in pressure in the inner ear. This liquid will stimulate parts of the balance control centres in the inner ear, disturbing their normal function and leading to symptoms like:- Vertigo attacks (dizziness with spinning sensation)
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Buzzing, ringing or roaring in one ear
- Hearing loss
- Affected balance and hearing
- Headaches
- Diarrhoea
- Depression
However, it is important to note that symptoms vary from person to person. Hence, it is important to be diagnosed at an early stage or as soon as possible. Your specialist in Singapore may conduct a hearing test to identify the extent of your symptoms.
Causes of Meniere’s Disease
There is no established cause for Meniere’s disease in medicine. However, the majority of cases start after some physical trauma to the head or neck. This could be a car accident, fall on ice, fight, or even a sports injury. Head and neck trauma has been reported by patients (either recently or in the past) for over 80% of Meniere’s disease sufferers. At the time, there may have been pain, or the accident may have appeared ‘harmless’. However, this injury often causes damage that worsens over time as the body degenerates.
A study showed that the average time between injury and the start of symptoms of Ménière’s disease was 15 years. This indicates that even an old injury, which may not seem important, may have been the initial trigger for the condition.Other causes include:
- Inflammation of the Subluxated Atlanto Occipital Articulation (where the skull attaches to the top of the neck) with swelling putting pressure on the adjacent middle ear structures
- Ear infections
- Traction of the cranial nerves
- Cerebrospinal fluid flow problems
- Irritation of sympathetic nerves
- Viral infection
- Congenital or genetic factors
Ménière’s disease is likely caused by a combination of factors. For example, an injury to the top of the neck can damage the nerves that supply the inner ear. Therefore, correcting the upper neck may help reduce pressure on the Atlanto Occipital Articulation, remove the feeling of pressure on the cranial and sympathetic nerves and restore normal cerebrospinal fluid flow. With the complexity of Ménière’s disease, consulting a certified specialist is advised so you can take the best possible steps towards improving your condition.
TRIGGERS OF MENIERE’S DISEASE IN SINGAPORE
While the causes of this disease are usually an accumulation of factors, there are some more recognised risk factors for Ménière’s disease attacks that specialists have noted:
1. Stress
When stressed, the brain works harder on mental and emotional tasks.
With this reduced capacity, there is less focus on maintaining the body’s healthy balance, including regulating liquid in the ear and maintaining proper nerve function.
2. Head Movements
Moving the head quickly will shift the endolymph liquid inside the inner ear, while moving too fast may incur dizziness and vertigo, as people with Ménière’s disease are more sensitive to the movements.
This can also occur due to movements of the neck. If the neck movement pinches the nerves, it may stimulate a part of the inner ear, triggering a Ménière’s disease attack. This is particularly likely if there has been a head or neck injury in the patient’s medical history.
3. Weather
Changes in weather and temperature have been reported by medical practitioners in Singapore as triggers of Ménière’s disease attacks.
This may be due to the weather affecting the liquid in the inner ear and the body not responding in time due to the imbalance already being present.
4. Lack of Sleep
If the body doesn’t get adequate rest, the immune system will be weakened, and the body will not be able to heal itself efficiently.
SPECIALIST’S DIAGNOSIS OF MENIERE’S DISEASE
The current diagnosis for improvement of Ménière’s disease includes a medical history with 2 episodes of vertigo, hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the inner ear. When signs and symptoms of vertigo appear, the first action your specialist may take is to take MRI or CT scans to exclude serious conditions, like a tumour in the inner ear.
An x-ray and Computed Thermography Nerve Scans should be taken for ALL Meniere’s cases to assess the upper neck for its condition and the presence of Atlanto Occipital Subluxation.Most people with Ménière’s disease will experience some degree of hearing loss. Typically, patients have problems hearing low frequencies or combined high and low frequencies, with normal hearing in the mid frequencies. This fluctuating hearing loss may go unnoticed initially, leading to permanent hearing loss in the long run. Thus, the medical examination also includes a hearing test and certain balance tests to identify balance problems and stress of the inner ear and cranial nerves, such as Videonystagmography.
CARE FOR MENIERE’S DISEASE IN SINGAPORE
Patients diagnosed with Meniere’s disease often struggle most with unexpected episodes of vertigo and the possibility of permanent hearing loss. While the use of hearing aids can counteract short-term hearing loss, the long-term effects of the disease may require you to make some lifestyle changes. Seeking care for Meniere’s disease may help reduce fatigue and stress caused by the interruption of one’s daily life. Common methods to improve Ménière’s disease in Singapore currently consist of medication, injections and possible surgery. However, to this date, medicine has not produced long-term relief for Meniere’s disease or hearing improvement. Most therapies only help with short-term symptoms or, in some cases, do not work at all. If the pressure remains on the sympathetic and cranial nerves due to the Atlanto Occipital Subluxation, the symptoms will return.
Endolymphatic Sac Decompression
Endolymphatic sac decompression is a procedure that is performed by a specialist to reverse the damage of Meniere’s disease to the ear while maintaining a healthy balance in the patient’s hearing levels. The decompression procedure can be carried out on an outpatient basis or in an ambulatory surgery centre under general anaesthesia. It has been proven effective for patients with Meniere’s disease experiencing vertigo. There are, however, risks associated with Endolymphatic sac decompression, such as the aggravation of vertigo attacks, further hearing loss and, in rare cases, tinnitus.Exercises for Meniere’s Disease
Ménière’s disease exercises can be performed to supplement care from your healthcare provider in Singapore. However, they will not fix the underlying inner ear problem caused by nerve compression in the neck (cervical spine).
Consult your Upper Cervical Chiropractor before starting any new Meniere’s disease exercises.
over 90% success rate!
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is an alternative procedure for those diagnosed with vertigo, Meniere’s syndrome, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), dizziness, imbalance and migraines.
This form of therapy is often engaged to target secondary problems caused by vestibular nerve issues. It uses exercise and movements to relieve vertigo and dizziness. It is a way to retrain the balance system in order to reduce the severity and frequency of the problems experienced.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR MENIERE’S DISEASE IN SINGAPORE
Chiropractors focus on the nervous system. In particular, Upper Cervical specific Chiropractors are specialists who specialise in the bones in the top part of the neck, known as the Occiput, Atlas and Axis. This is the location of the Atlanto Occipital Articulation, as mentioned above. As experts in this field, you can be assured to maximise the benefits of your care when under the charge of an Upper Cervical Chiropractor.
This is demonstrated in research from the Burcon institute[1], which shows dramatic improvements in Meniere’s disease with Chiropractic intervention. In a study of 300 patients, 97% were able to get their vertigo under control within 6 weeks. Over the full course of the medical plan, there was over a 90% improvement in their symptoms.
If you are looking for Chiropractic interventions in Singapore, Vitality Chiropractic offers the ideal solution. At Vitality, our patients regularly see stark improvements with Upper Cervical care, particularly in the frequency and severity of dizziness, episodes of vertigo attacks and the fullness of the inner ear. Improvements in hearing and tinnitus are also regularly reported, more so beyond 6 weeks. With our broad exposure to Meniere’s disease cases, you can be assured that we are well-equipped to tailor your care that addresses your concerns effectively.
Additionally, our team at Vitality Chiropractic specialise in Upper Cervical care, ensuring you have access to knowledgeable specialists who fully understand your condition. With Vitality Chiropractic, you can be confident that you are always in good hands. Committed to maximising outcomes for our patients, we are proud to be the first to bring this technique to South-East Asia and the only specialist clinic in Singapore offering it. Our unique NeuroPro method combines computed infrared thermography nerves scans and bio-mechanical x-rays. By leveraging the benefits of both scans, our team can accurately diagnose the problem and provide care for Ménière’s disease, enabling us to support patients with better-targeted therapies.
Our Specialist, Shaan, has undergone post-graduate work, has years of experience and has a history of helping patients to improve Ménière’s disease symptoms. Click here to read reviews or hear testimonials from our patients attesting to the efficacy of our procedures.
If you’ve been struggling with Ménière’s disease, it’s time to call 8438 9550, email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com or fill in your information below to book your appointment. With the support of our dedicated specialists in Singapore, you will be empowered to take strides towards reclaiming a life of functional wellness.
OUR NECK PAIN SPECIALISTS
Shaan is a GCC registered Chiropractor from London (UK), graduating from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). He has been serving patients in Singapore since 2015 and started Vitality Chiropractic to open the first Upper Cervical clinic to Singapore.
He has completed extensive post-graduate studies in USA, Australia, UK and Philippines, being the first to offer this technique in South-East Asia.
He is the Alliance of Chiropractic (AoC) Chairman for Outreach, organising events within Singapore with People’s Association and other charities. Shaan has served thousands of patients, with experience in patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems.
Jessey is a GCC registered Chiropractor from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), graduated from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK). She has experience serving patients from 2 weeks old to 96 years old prior to moving to Singapore and joining Vitality Chiropractic.
She has completed extensive post-graduate studies and is the FIRST female Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Singapore and South-East Asia!
Jessey is active in outreach, participating in charitable trips to Cambodia and within Singapore. Jessey has experience helping patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, slipped disc, anxiety, fibrillations, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems. She also has a special interest in children and younger patients.
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