For a safe and effective treatment of Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s Disease

Facts and figures

Meniere's Disease (or idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops) is a chronic disease from which approximately 0.4% of the world population suffer. The incidence is an estimated 0.4 per thousand each year. The origin of the disease is believed to be an imbalance in the hydrodynamic system of the inner ear.

The symptoms are recurring attacks of rotatory vertigo, vomiting, tinnitus and hearing impairment, and the debut often takes place in the lower middle ages. The attacks can last for hours or days, during which time the patient is often bedridden.

The insecurity concerning the occurrence of the attacks creates a major handicap for the patients, in addition to the clinical symptoms. Consequently, Menière's disease is a costly disease to society on the whole

Common treatment methods

So far, treatment has consisted of medication for sickness and vertigo, prescriptions of diuretics and psychosocial support

The "Treatment Strategy Ladder" for Meniere's Disease, showing different stages and methods for treating the disease.	Treatment in pressure chambers has in some cases been successful, but the practical circumstances make the method difficult to use. In severe cases, invasive methods are sometimes used to control vertigo. These methods include injections of active substances into the middle ear and different surgical methods. Some invasive methods involve the risk of affecting the patient’s hearing.
Consequently, the demand for a simple, safe and effective method of treatment was obvious for both physicians and patients.

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