Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s Disease is an inner-ear balance disorder that causes attacks of vertigo (a sense of spinning) along with other symptoms, including tinnitus (noise in the ear or head that’s not audible to others), aural fullness (a feeling of pressure, or even pain, in the ear) and fluctuating hearing loss.  Secondary symptoms that typically occur during a prolonged attack include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, and intense fatigue. There may be other symptoms as well, such as watering eyes, excessive postnasal drip, diarrhea, and slurred speech. Attacks can last a few minutes, a few hours, or even several days.

Over time, hearing loss may become constant, although some individuals experience very little hearing loss.

There are many types of balance disorders, and many of them have similar characteristics such as spinning vertigo and nausea.  But they are not all the same, and may require different treatment approaches.  The best way to find out what is causing your dizziness/vertigo is to be referred to doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating these conditions.  An ear/nose/throat specialist or a neurologist can often isolate the cause and recommend a treatment approach that will bring relief.

If you have been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease or another inner-ear balance disorder, consider joining our Meniere’s Support Group. Recent meetings have included group discussions, guest speakers and video presentations on Meniere’s Disease.  Meetings involving a guest speaker are usually supported by Note Taking Service (what is said is typed into a computer and projected onto a large screen) so that those with significant hearing loss can follow the presentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For the past several years meetings have been held the fourth Monday of the month from 11:00 a.m. until noon (from September to November, and January to June) at the Access River East building, 975 Henderson Highway.  We are currently searching for a new volunteer to facilitate these meetings starting in September 2018.  If you are interested in volunteering, or would just like to talk to someone about your Meniere’s disease please call 204-975-3037 and leave a message for a call-back, or email us through the contact form below.

As of August 2018 there is no volunteer available to facilitate the support group meetings.  There will therefore be no meetings until a new facilitator is found.

Meanwhile, check out the two suggested web sites below where you can find more information about Meniere’s disease and other inner-ear balance disorders as well as links to additional sites. 

The Vestibular Disorders Association offers a program  called V-PALS, a members only network where you can connect with others to share information and support, a members’ forum, an online support group that meets via video conference, and a Facebook page as well as an excellent online library of resources.

Use the form below to submit an inquiry about our support group

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