|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Magnesium & Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a chronic, progressive problem in the inner ear that causes loss of balance, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. It is caused by buildup of fluid in the inner ear. According to dizziness-and-balance.com, there is no cure for Meniere's disease as of May 2010. Alternative practitioners claim that increasing magnesium intake can help alleviate symptoms, but there is no scientific support for this claim as of 2010.

  1. Meniere's Disease

    • Meniere's disease consists of acute attacks of vertigo, in which the sufferer feels extremely dizzy and may fall over. Nausea and vomiting are also common during attacks. Sufferers often experience ringing in the ears or loss of hearing during an attack. Attacks occur sporadically, sometimes recurring after months or years of good health.

      Attacks are caused by fluctuating pressure in the inner ear. According to dizziness-and-balance.com, attacks may result from the dilution of membranes in the inner ear or from immune system problems.

    Magnesium and Tinnitus

    • According to Michael Seidman, a physician specializing in tinnitus, magnesium is useful for protecting the ear against tinnitus. He says magnesium also protects Meniere's sufferers from progressive hearing loss over time as a result of the disease. However, people who take magnesium for tinnitus may suffer more vertigo as a result of taking magnesium. Scientific studies supporting Seidman's claims are lacking.

    Magnesium Levels and Meniere's Disease

    • According to the Central Nervous System Restoration Institute, Meniere's disease may be caused by low magnesium levels and high calcium levels, so symptoms can be corrected by taking magnesium. According to the institute, magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker.

    Types of Magnesium

    • Low doses of magnesium are usually prescribed orally. The Central Nervous System Restoration Institute recommends taking magnesium citrate, while Dr. Seidman does not specify the type of magnesium to be taken.

    Other Treatments for Meniere's Disease

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, many traditional doctors prescribe anti-nausea drugs for use during an attack. Between attacks, sufferers may take a diuretic to reduce fluid retention in the body. According to dizziness-and-balance.com, some people may take immuno-suppressive drugs to correct immune system problems leading to Meniere's disease, but this is rare.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles