Meniere's Disease and Anxiety

[charliegreywolf]

I've been recently diagnosed with Meniere's Disease after a couple of particularly scary bouts of severe vertigo. I'm now taking Betahistine 8mg three times a day, and it seems to help, but I find that my already troublesome anxiety levels hit a high during the episodes. Is this normal and is there anything I can do to prevent any more vertigo attacks??

[Justine Greenwood]

Dear charliegreywolf,

Thank you for your post.

Meniere's Disease is a rare condition that affects the inner ear, causing attacks of vertigo (dizziness with a spinning sensation). The cause is unknown.

Betahistine is a useful treatment for preventing the attacks. NHS choices also recommends a low salt diet (unless you have been advised against a low sodium diet by your GP) to prevent attacks of Meniere's disease. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Vertigo/Pa ... tment.aspx

There are things you can do to try to combat the anxiety you are feeling. Gentle exercise, breathing exercises and maintaining a healthy balanced diet are good examples. Take some time to read up about the condition here: http://patient.info/health/menieres-disease-leaflet

If you have any further questions please get in touch,

Justine