Helpful Info for Newbies

Discussion in 'Meniere's Disease "Database"' started by Taximom5, Apr 23, 2010.

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  1. Taximom5

    Taximom5 New Member

    Edit, 6/3/11: I thought it might be a good thing to have a comprehensive list of approaches that have worked for members here, as well as REASONS and EXPLANATIONS why they help. I would especially like to include things that most of our doctors SHOULD have addressed but ignored.

    Please post any corrections you may have, or any additions you would like to make, and I'll edit them in. I wrote mostly about the ones that have worked for me or that I am familiar with, and I know this list is far from complete!


    PREFACE:

    I originally began this thread with a list of different approaches to dealing with symptoms of Meniere's. Each approach dealt with a different cause or causes of the symptoms. But I now realize that I left out a basic list of known causes of the symptoms that tend to get diagnosed as Meniere's.

    The classic symptoms include:
    tinnitus
    fluctuating hearing loss
    dizziness/vertigo
    a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear

    Known causes of those same symptoms (in no particular order):
    B12 deficiency
    allergy (food, inhaled, pollen, mold, medication, could be allergy to anything)
    side effect/reaction to medication
    celiac disease/food intolerance
    autoimmune disorders
    Lyme Disease
    fungal infection (usually a systemic yeast infection, aka candida)
    viral infection (herpes viruses are the viruses most often associated with Meniere's symptoms)
    head injury
    neck/spine/shoulder injury
    vaccine reaction

    I know that vaccine reactions are a hot topic of debate, for many reasons. To forestall arguments, I would like to direct you to this link http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14974438, which is a peer-reviewed case study of a vaccine reaction that resulted in the same symptoms as those of Meniere's. Since vaccines may also be associated with several of the above listed causes of Meniere's symptoms, if your symptoms occurred very soon after a vaccine, I would encourage you to report this to your doctor and to VAERS (Vaccine Adverse Effect Reporting System: http://vaers.hhs.gov/esub/index). You do NOT need to be a medical professional to report a reaction to VAERS.



    The following approaches to treating Meniere's symptoms are in no particular order:

    1) VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY
    Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, and headache. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8484483: "These observations suggest a relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and dysfunction of the auditory pathway. Some improvement in tinnitus and associated complaints were observed in 12 patients following vitamin B12 replacement therapy. The authors recommend that routine vitamin B12 serum levels be determined when evaluating patients for chronic tinnitus."

    People at significantly increased risk of B12 deficiency include vegans, people with digestive problems, people who have taken acid blockers (such as Prilosec, Zantac, etc), and people with autoimmune disorders. B12 is not plentiful in vegetable sources, so vegans should be sure to take a good supplement. Acid blockers block the acid needed to properly process B12; unfortunately, while every B12 Deficiency website mentions this as one of the most common causes of B12 deficiency, it is not listed on the package insert of any acid blocker, and doctors don't seem to be aware of this. People with digestive disorders don't properly absorb nutrients from food or even from vitamins, and people with autoimmune disorders nearly always have intestinal malabsorption problems as well, often "silent" ones (with no noticeable intestinal symptoms).

    Doctors in the US are also a bit confused about how to diagnose B12 deficiency. Current guidelines for blood work list serum levels of 200-122 as being normal, and below 200 to be deficient. However, below 200 defines pernicious anemia, an extremely serious condition of B12 deficiency. Other countries, such as Japan, consider that levels under 650 require treatment, citing that levels under 500 can be linked with neurological damage. (Interestingly, Japan has the lowest number of Alzheimer cases--and Alzheimer's is linked with B12 deficiency.)

    It is possible to have normal serum B12 levels, yet still be B12-deficient if one is deficient in intrinsic factor, which is necessary for proper utilization of the serum B12.

    My suggestion here would be to ask your doctor to test your serum B12 levels, and for you to insist on getting a copy of the results. My own experience was that my doctor told me that my B12 was fine--and he considered 200 to be fine. There is a separate test for intrinsic factor antibodies.

    2) VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
    This is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies--and it is also one of the most commonly underdiagnosed. It is especially common in climates with colder winters and less sunshine, and it is also linked with most autoimmune disorders. Meniere's is often considered to be an autoimmune disorder (though they're really not sure), and it also linked with many autoimmune disorders.

    Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is far superior to Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol), as it is much more easily absorbed, more stable, and longer duration of action. Here again, vegans don't fare as well, as D2 is the vegan version. It is also the only form used in prescription vitamin D. However, exposure to sunlight enables the body to synthesize its own vitamin D.

    3) FOOD INTOLERANCES
    Many people here have found that certain foods trigger Meniere's symptoms. The most common offending food seems to be wheat. The protein in wheat is called gluten, and it is also found in other grains (barley, rye, and oats).

    Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, and increasingly common symptoms reported in celiac forums include tinnitus, dizziness, and hearing loss. The anecdotal evidence indicates that removing gluten from the diet eliminates symptoms. Celiac Disease has historically been defined by the results of an intestinal biopsy, but the trend is now to diagnose it by blood work, which looks for antibodies to gluten as well as endomysial antibodies (andtibodies against oneself). Celiac Disease and gluten intolerance are often used interchangeably to describe the same set of symptoms; there is much debate on whether gluten intolerance is simply early-stage celiac or whether it is a separate condition, but the treatment is the same, either way--a gluten-free diet.

    Celiac disease is one of the leading causes of intestinal malabsorption, and is linked with many other common autoimmune disorders, including thyroid disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and MS. Vitamin deficiencies are common to all of them.

    While celiac is noted to CAUSE vitamin deficiencies, it is also possible that vitamin D deficiency likely plays a role in causing celiac, and perhaps other autoimmune conditions as well.

    4) FUNGAL INFECTION
    According to research done in Australia in 1996 (http://www.papadisc.com/MM_Nystatin.pdf), the yeast Candida albicans is an important opportunistic pathogen that has been associated with disease of the inner ear. Board member Joe Slater (screen name: PapaJoe) has compiled a list of scientific studies, showing the possibility of a fungal etiology for some vestibular disorders, here: http://www.papadisc.com/MM_Nystatin.pdf. His own Meniere's symptoms turned out to have been caused by a systemic candida infection.

    5) SPINAL/NECK MISALIGNMENT
    Many people on this board have reported remarkable results from chiropractic adjustments to the neck. Henry Sullivan started a very informative thread here http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,3080.0.html. He recommends specific technique known as NUCCA, but others have found relief from standard chiropractic care.

    Please be aware that, just as in any medical field, there are doctors who are incompetent, and doctors who are more interested in $ than in their patients' health and well-being. Make sure you find several trusted people who recommend a specific chiropractor before going. A good chiropractor can save your health and sanity; a bad one can destroy it.

    6) SUPPLEMENTS
    Board member and biology instructor John of Ohio has developed a regimen of supplements that has worked remarkably well for many members here. His regimen appears here http://www.menieresresources.org/Resources/HomePage?action=download&upname=ANewApproachToMenieresDisease-TheJohnOfOhioRegimenJan2010.pdf
    along with a detailed explanation of why each supplement can be helpful. There is also a nice long thread where he has answered many technical questions: http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,19349.0.html

    7) Antivirals
    There are many studies indicating a link between Meniere's symptoms and herpes viruses. There are many kinds of herpes viruses. Two of the most common are herpes simplex, and herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is actually the chicken pox virus, which never leaves your body, but goes dormant in one of your spinal nerves. Stress can reactivate it as shingles--same virus, different presentation. At least one person here has noted an exposure to herpes zoster just before onset of Meniere's symptoms.

    Interestingly, John of Ohio, noted above, addresses the herpes virus in his regimen, and recommends L-Lysine, which inactivates the herpes virus.

    Papajoe has compiled a list of studies supporting a viral etiology of Meniere's: http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,22821.msg403200.html#msg403200

    Papajoe's three-part list of scientific studies on the relationship between Meniere's and viruses:

    Part I:
    http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,22570.0.html

    Part II:
    http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,22571.0.html

    Part III:
    http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,22572.0.html

    This information is also available in PDF format:

    http://www.papadisc.com/Menieres_Etiology_Viral.pdf

    http://www.papadisc.com/Menieres_Efficacy_AntiViral.pdf


    8) Low-salt diet
    Most members have reported that it did not help them, but some members have reported that it made a huge difference, so it is worth trying.

    9) Diuretics
    This one is a bit controversial--some doctors and many members here swear they do nothing, but nwspin found a study that seems to indicate that it may be helpful:
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3537899

    10) Exercise (or lack thereof)
    This is a bit of a head-scratcher, as nobody who is falling over with dizziness can imagine exercise of any kind! However, as soon as you are feeling able to move, it does seem as though exercise is of utmost importance in warding off future attacks. While my doctor told me that I should stay away from swimming pools at all costs, I found that swimming was more helpful than most other exercise. In fact, the minute I got in the pool, my head felt NORMAL. I wish I could explain this, but I can't.

    A number of us have discovered that exercise has an immediate effect--usually good--on our symptoms. This is sort of ironic, because the last thing one can imagine doing while one is dizzy, nauseated, vomiting, and listening to a dishwasher roaring in our ears, is--EXERCISE. And when the symptoms are at their worst, it is literally impossible to stand up, let alone exercise.

    However, it does seem that it is possible to stave off an attack by exercising--in some cases, trying strenuous exercise--at the first symptoms.

    For myself, running and swimming are very effective. Walking is much less so, but helpful nonetheless. In looking back, I found that my two attacks came at times when I was NOT exercising for a week or two.

    I'm guessing that the increase in circulation is the helpful factor here.

    10b) Hydration

    Dehydration can be a factor for many of us. The best thing, I believe, is plain water. For those of us who do strenuous exercises, we need to be very careful to stay hydrated! Another factor here is that many people choose low-calorie/high caffeine sodas as their hydration source. Caffeine can dehydrate you, and artificial sweeteners are strongly linked with neurological problems, including migraine. When in doubt, leave it out! (I mean the artificial sweeteners, not the water.)


    11) Prescription Medications
    (These, also, are in no particular order.)
    A) SERC (betahistine)

    (update 10/10) SERC is apparently available in Canada and Europe, and is widely prescribed there for Meniere's symptoms, apparently with quite a bit of success. While it doesn't address the cause of symptoms, it seems to be effective at controlling the symptoms, perhaps more so than other prescription medications--which then begs the question, why isn't it available in the US?

    This drug (brand name Serc, chemical name betahistine), is advocated as a vestibular suppressant mainly for Meniere's disease. Curiously, Serc was approved by the FDA about 30 years ago for roughly 5 years, but later approval was withdrawn because lack of evidence for efficacy. Subsequently, three double-blind studies have been done reporting reduction of vertigo attacks with betahistine (Frew and Menon, 1976: Wilmot and Menon; 1976; Meyer, 1985). Nevertheless, these studies may have been flawed and a recent review suggested that it is presently still unclear if betahistine has any effect in Meniere's disease (James and Burton, 2001).

    Serc was again reviewed by the FDA in June of 1999 (click here for details). Essentially, the conclusion seems to be that there is no evidence that it is harmful, but also little evidence that it has any therapeutic effect. It thus is similar in status to an inert substance. Serc is not sold through ordinary US pharmacy chains but it can be obtained through US compounding pharmacies, with a prescription. Some insurances may cover it too.
    -----from http://www.tchain.com/otoneurology/treatment/serc.html

    B) Antihistamines, such as Meclizine

    C) Valium and Klonopin, which I am told calm down the auditory nerve and other nerve misfirings in the brain (I'll try to look that one up when I have more time to give more "official" info on this one), and Verapamil, which is a calcium channel blocker. These drugs, according to the studies posted on page 2 of this thread, appear to help improve symptoms over a period of several months for over 50% of those studies. Please note that a similar number report improved symptoms if they do nothing. Side effects of the drugs are listed on page 2 of this thread.

    12) Acupuncture
    So far, one member has reported good results with this. I've never tried it for Meniere's, but have tried it twice for other physical ailments, and it was very, very helpful. However, I have also heard that it can be harmful if the practitioner is not extremely skilled.

    13) posture/position
    This is actually somewhat related to 4) (neck/spinal misalignment).

    Do you hunch over your computer with your neck bent forward? Well, most of us do--but it's the worst thing you can do to your neck, according to my chiropractor. It takes the weight of your head (imagine a bowling ball) and disperses it in such a way that your neck is subject to far greater psi than if you were standing up straight. (Imagine balancing a bowling ball (instead of your head) on top of your neck, but at a 45 degree angle instead of straight up and down.

    Since you are likely reading this on your computer, sit up straight. NOW. Now take your shoulders and raise them up by your ears, let them flop down, and rotate them back. Make sure your head is sitting ON TOP of your neck, not stuck out front.

    Do you feel any different?

    The second worst thing you can do for your neck is to watch TV in bed, because you are likely to be doing pretty much the same thing with head and neck as you are doing right now in front of the computer.

    So the suggestion here would be, if you must spend many hours in front of the computer, stop and stretch often, and pay close attention to your posture.

    14) TMJ/bite alignment
    A recent post from a Swedish member sounds promising: http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,26642.0.html
    The idea is that a bite misalignment may cause or exacerbate Meniere's symptoms. Check out the simple exercise described here and see if it helps!

    15) Vitamin C Megadose
    This is addressed in John of Ohio's regimen, but I thought it deserved a separate mention here. Please read about it in here: http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,23421.0/topicseen.html and you might also want to read Solari's thread about it: http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,24546.msg453985/boardseen.html#new

    16) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

    I don't know if any members here have tried this, but it looks extremely promising!
    http://www.oxybiotech.net/files/Article-HBOT-Menieres.pdf

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=hyperbaric%20meniere's&itool=QuerySuggestion

    17) Cell/Cordless Phone Radiation Overexposure

    According to http://www.rense.com/health3/cell3.htm, "Dozens of medical research studies have also concluded that the microwave frequencies coming into the heads of cell phone users are enough to cause neurological changes in brains that can produce fatigue, dizziness and loss of concentration."

    So I started googling, and have found the following:

    http://www.webmd.com/news/20070919/cell-phones-may-cause-hearing-loss
    http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/533259/
    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,297460,00.html
    http://www.cancer-health.org/Cellular_phone_symptoms.html
    http://www.mercola.com/forms/ferrite_beads.htm
    http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/09/03/Brain-Damage-From-Mobile-Phone-Radiation.aspx

    On a personal note, I complained to my ENT that when I used my cell phone, the side of my head would feel hot, and I would notice headaches and ringing in the ear on the affected side.

    He rolled his eyes.

    I found another ENT after that, and also stopped using my cell phone unless it was on speakerphone.

    Is anybody besides me wondering why we don't hear about this from our ENT's, if not the news media?

    And one final link--if you spend hours on the phone (cell, landline, cordless, corded), and hold the phone between your ear and shoulder, that would definitely screw up your cervical-spinal alignment. And many people do just fine with cervical-spinal misalignment. But most of us reading this thread are reading it because we are NOT fine.

    18) Migraine
    There is a lot of disagreement, even between doctors, on whether Meniere's and Migraine/Migraine Associated Vertigo are the same thing. There is clearly overlap in symptoms, though so investigating books like http://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Headache-Program-Taking/dp/0761125663 may be very helpful.


    P.S. ACRONYMS
    Many acronyms are used on this board! For a helpful thread on acronyms, please see http://www.menieres.org/forum/index.php/topic,128.0.html
     
  2. debin

    debin New Member

    Great and helpful info for the newbies!
     
  3. Henrysullivan

    Henrysullivan New Member

    Well Done Winston!

    This ought to be in the Database. Unless you object, I would like to ask Ray to place it there.
     
  4. Lorrie K

    Lorrie K New Member

    Very well done. Comprehensive without being too lengthy for those of us who can't seem to focus for long periods of time at the computer. Thanks.
     
  5. SweetTater

    SweetTater New Member

    Great post! I agree with Henry - needs to be in the Database. Thanks!
     
  6. Linda1002

    Linda1002 New Member

    Several people, including me, have mentioned that diuretics help.

    Walking is one of the best exercises.

    Sometimes we just don't know what's causing the problem. There is nothing wrong with that if one can learn to accept and adapt.
     
  7. SweetTater

    SweetTater New Member

    A couple of things I've seen mentioned here on the site that has helped some people that Taximom didn't mention are:

    Serc (Betahistine) - Need a prescription and have to get it from a compounding pharmacy or order from somewhere outside the US - most order from Canada from what I've seen. I haven't tried it but have seen many posts from people who have and like everything else for some it works well and for others does nothing. I would like to try it just to see.

    Acupuncture - I do this but not sure if it's helped all that much but my Dr. says it has a 35% chance to help with MM and my thinking was that I know it's a low percentage BUT what if I'm in that 35%???
    The reason I tried this is a woman I met with MM - she had it very bad for 5 years and she went to this Dr. I am seeing and got acupuncture and she got her life back so I know for a few it works and as I said if you are in that small percentage then it's worth a try.
     
  8. dizzydeac

    dizzydeac New Member

    Diuretics have helped me too! It helps reduce the fluid build up in the ear.

    Valium and Klonopin work by calming down the auditory nerve and other nerves misfiring in the brain.

    I think others have mentioned Ativan and Xanax too.They help reduce anxiety.

    Ginger,Zofran and Meclizine help with nausea.
     
  9. Taximom5

    Taximom5 New Member

    I have to disagree with you here.

    What exactly are we supposed to accept? That we don't yet know the answer? If I had accepted that and adapted, I would still be unable to function. I REFUSED to accept it! I started looking for alternate theories and cures--and I found ones that worked for me.

    I believe very strongly that NOT accepting makes it possible to conquer adverse circumstances.

    I know there are probably occasions where one has to accept and adapt, but I can't think of any right now. But Meniere's symptoms sure as heck don't fall into my definition of something that must be accepted, or something to which one must adapt.

    Sorry, I don't mean to sound like I am attacking you or demeaning you in any way. I just feel very strongly about this (in case you couldn't tell).
     
  10. vikx

    vikx New Member

    Very good! I would like to see a little more on the vestibular calming effects of valium and other benzos since it helps many of us function. Valium saved my job and sanity during the worst of it...VK
     
  11. nwspin

    nwspin New Member

    My Neurotoligist told me 80% of his patients control their Meniere symptoms with low sodium and diuretics. Here are a few of the studies you couldn't find.

    Diuretics

    The use of diuretics stems from the supposition that these drugs can alter the fluid balance in the inner ear, leading to a depletion of endolymph and a correction of hydrops.

    In 1934 Furstenberg et al demonstrated that the symptoms of Meniere’s disease were due to retention of sodium. They recommended a low salt diet and demonstrated the effects of diuretics in controlling the attacks of vertigo.[4] In 1975 Boles et al described the University of Michigan experience with a low salt diet supplemented when necessary with the use of diuretics[2]. Overall they found that most patients had their vertigo attacks controlled with an 800 to 1000 mg of sodium per day diet. Additional diuretic medical therapy was dictated by the patient’s response to low salt diet and diuretics. In 1981 Jackson et al reported the Otology Group experience in sodium restriction and found a success rate of 57.9% with this therapy.[5]

    Thiazide Diuretics

    In 1962 Norell and colleagues were the first to report the use of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for the treatment of Meniere’s disease.[9] Then Klockhoff and Lindblom in 1967 were the first to conduct a double-blind study on the effects of HCTZ.[6] This is one of the few attempts at a double-blind trial evaluating the effects of pharmacologic treatment of Meniere’s disease. They found HCTZ effective in controlling Meniere’s symptoms in 75% of the 50 patients. There was no effect with the placebo therapy. Van Deelen and Huizing conducted a double-blind crossover study on the effect of triamterene (Dyazide) in the treatment of Meniere’s disease.[18] In this study Dyazide controlled symptoms in 51 % of the patients whereas placebo tablets were effective in < 10% of the patients. Unfortunately, Dyazide had no effect on the hearing or tinnitus complaints in this group of pa- tients. Vertigo control was the main benefit demonstrated.
     
  12. nwspin

    nwspin New Member

    You might want to add the invasive procedures also such as ESD with or without shunt, VNS and Laby.
     
  13. Linda1002

    Linda1002 New Member

    I feel strongly about it, too. I've had Meniere's 35 years. I don't have allergies. I don't have thyroid issues. I don't have BPPV. I don't have MAV. I have nothing else but Meniere's, and I've managed without meds or surgery.

    I was dx before the Internet and the only research was a couple of books at the library. I had no choice but to accept that I had it and "learn to live with it." So, that's what I did. It wasn't easy. There were many times I was terribly sick, and now I'm almost deaf.

    All I'm saying is doing nothing can also work -- not really doing nothing, we still have to take proper care of ourselves with diet and rest. My doctors have always said my body will adapt to what's going on without any help from meds or surgery. It can work. It's just one more thing that can work.
     
  14. Taximom5

    Taximom5 New Member

    But Linda, if I had done nothing, it would NOT have worked. I very likely would have gotten worse, not better.

    And I don't have allergies, either. Gluten intolerance/celiac disease are not allergies, and don't show up on standard blood work, nor do they show up on ANY allergy test. They require a specific set of blood tests, and even then, some people who have biopsy-proven celiac disease tested negatively for it with blood work.

    If you have not been tested for thyroid issues in the last few years, you might be interested to learn that the standards for hypothyroidism have been significantly revised. I know several people who were told for years that their thyroids were within normal ranges, even though they had major symptoms of hypothyroid. Now, with the new ranges, they have been diagnosed as hypothyroid, put on replacement therapy, and, wonder of wonders, their hypothyroid symptoms have disappeared.

    And are you sure that you don't have vitamin deficiencies that might contribute to your symptoms? Remember, those tests are not done in standard blood work, and the "norms" include levels that correlate to neurological damage (in other words, the "norms" need to be revised as well, but probably won't be as long as the pharmaceutical industry can make more money on prescription medication rather than on nutritional supplements).

    This doesn't mean that I think you are hypothyroid, of course. Your thyroid might very well be hunky-dory and an inspiration to thyroids everywhere. But, as of last year, although my endocrinologist was well aware of the revision, my primary care provider had never heard of it.

    So I thought I'd put the information out there in case it helps someone else.
     
  15. Linda1002

    Linda1002 New Member

    With profound hearing loss, I definitely have Meniere's. The vertigo has burned out. I'm about as classic MM as it comes.

    I'm just saying what you're saying, different things work for different people. The way my doctors and I decided to handle my case worked for me.
     
  16. Taximom5

    Taximom5 New Member

    Thanks, nwspin!

    I'm now not sure what to think about diuretics. The first ENT I saw pushed them, but I refused them. The second ENT I saw told me that they didn't work, but that it gave patients a way to feel like they were taking a positive step towards managing their symptoms.

    The study you posted sounds valid, and vertigo control is probably first on everyone's GetRidOfItNow list. There's something about the whole diuretic thing that bothers me, strikes me as wrong, but I can't come up with a single real reason why, so I'm going to copy your study and add it into post #1.

    At this point, I'd rather not include info on invasive techniques--I feel that those should be an absolute last resort, and this thread is aimed at newbies. How about starting a "Last Resort" thread?
     
  17. Taximom5

    Taximom5 New Member

    nwspin, could you please supply a link for the source of the quote? Is it on PubMed?
    Thanks.
     
  18. nwspin

    nwspin New Member

  19. Taximom5

    Taximom5 New Member

    Thanks, nwspin. I'm still not sure what to think--that site is Numark Labs, and they make diuretics as well as Lipoflavonoid.

    I found the study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3537899
    Here, it said that the diuretic was preferred by 17 of the 33 test subjects, while 3 chose the placebo, and the remaining 13 had no preference.

    17 preferred it, 16 did not. That's hardly a clinical significance. That's what you would expect with a placebo.That's the same ratio we always see--Meniere's patients who do NOTHING have a 50% chance of symptoms resolving.

    It does say that vestibular complaints decreased significantly during the trial. But it doesn't map the decrease to the use of the medication. It just says "during the trial," which means that they decreased amongst placebo users as well.

    Anybody have any comments on this?
     
  20. Henrysullivan

    Henrysullivan New Member

    Alls I know is that when I was on diuretics, one hot day in August, while on a job I briefly passed out from dehydration. Yet there was nothing that I could detect that it did to change the Meniere's symptoms. So in my case, if it was affective at all, that effect was countered by certain ill effects. And that was the last day I took a diuretic.
     

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