Ménière’s disease is a condition attack of vertigo that comes on rather suddenly and can be severe. Vertigo is the term used to describe a sudden and unsteady sensation that a person or their surroundings are moving or spinning.

Ménière’s disease is named after 19th-century French physician Prosper Ménière. The condition involves an increase of fluid pressure in your inner ear which results in disruption of a person’s balance and hearing but it is not life-threatening.

Attacks associated with Ménière’s disease can last 20 minutes to an hour or longer. Signs and symptoms usually are severe and may include:

- Sudden, severe episodes of vertigo, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting

- Hearing loss in the affected ear

- Buzzing, ringing or roaring sound in the affected ear (tinnitus)

- Feeling of fullness, pressure or pain in the affected ear

Attacks can happen without warning and may become increasingly frequent and severe.

Generally no signs and symptoms occur between attacks.

Ménière’s disease generally occurs in one ear only but in rare cases, both ears can be affected. In some cases, the disease can lead to complete deafness in the affected ear, and the vertigo and accompanying nausea can be frequent and debilitating.

Here’s a brief description of how Ménière’s disease occurs.

The vestibular labyrinth is the organ of balance within the inner ear. Inside it, are loop-shaped structures (semicircular canals) that monitor the rotation of the head using fluid and hair-like sensors which are connected to the utricle. Sometimes, this fluid in the vestibular labyrinth which signals your brain about your bodies motion can be increased. The result is abnormal signals sent to the brain, which say you're moving when you’re actually remaining still.

What exactly causes Ménière’s disease remains unknown but the regimen outlined below includes an alternative approach to treating the condition:

Limit salt intake.

Avoid fried foods, monosodium glutamate (MSG), sugar, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and stress.

If vertigo occurs during a Ménière’s disease attack, lie down and hold the head completely still until symptoms subside.

The following supplements are also recommended:

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (3,000 - 6,000 mg in divided doses) - Improves the symptoms of Ménière’s disease.

Vitamin B3 (100 mg twice daily) - Improves circulation.

Lecithin Granules (1 tbsp 3 times daily before meals) - For cellular protection & brain function.

Manganese (5 mg daily) - Deficiency is tied to ear disorders.

Coenzyme Q10 (100 mg daily) - Improves circulation. My brand of choice is Q-absorb by Jarrow Formulas.

High-Potency Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement (take as directed on label) - Provides all necessary nutrients.

Essential Fatty Acids (take as directed on label) - Corrects metabolic disturbances.

Ginkgo Biloba (take as directed on label) - Increases circulation to the brain. Take in extract form.

Butcher's Broom (take as directed on label) - Also improves circulation and fights fluid retention.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.