Resolution of Meniere’s Disease After A Failed Vestibular Nerve Surgery A Case Report
A recent case report published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research describes the story of a 63 year old woman that presented for care with right sided Meniere’s disease after an unsuccessful attempt at surgical section of her vestibular nerve. Prior to surgery the patient was offered and utilized drug therapy to control her symptoms, as well as a low sodium diet. As with many cases prior to upper cervical chiropractic care, neck dysfunction or injury was not even considered in the diagnosis or the treatment strategy with this patients previous healthcare providers. Up to this point the patient had been suffering from Meniere’s disease for 14 years!
Upon examination the patient was found to have signs of upper neck dysfunction in her spinal column via palpation, range of motion testing, orthopedic testing, and postural assessment. Precision x-rays were taken of the neck to determine and quantify the level of dysfunction in the upper neck. The x-rays also revealed a loss of the patients normal spinal curvature in the neck, and the spinal discs and vertebral bodies were degenerated and arthritic. A precision x-ray derived vectored adjustment was developed from the patients unique anatomy as determined from the precision x-rays taken. A precision correction was given and then a post x-ray assessment and analysis was performed to determine the effectiveness of the correction.
As the patient began to heal she had a rather dramatic change in symptoms. During an interview the patient stated that “I was normal again… It was great to have the feeling that I would not have to take medication any longer to make it go away.” In the months following the patient was able to discontinue the use of prescription drugs and utilize upper cervical chiropractic care to manage her Meniere’s disease symptoms, she had been worried about the dangerous side effect from the long term use of prescription drugs.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Regarding Meniere’s Disease In Boise, Idaho
There needs to be more awareness of methods that are non-invasive for the treatment and management of vertigo and Meniere’s disease. It would seem logical that anyone that suffers with vertigo or Meniere’s symptoms should have their neck evaluated by an Upper Cervical Chiropractic spinal expert.
From a healthcare stand point Meniere’s disease is one of the most challenging dysfunctions of the inner ear to treat in patients. Did you know there are currently about 615,000 individuals in the US diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, and this number is expected grows by about 45,000 per year according the NIDCD (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders). How many of the estimated 615,000 Meniere’s cases have had a previous injury to their head and neck? How many could potentially have an undiagnosed spinal problem in their upper neck? To date we are not aware of any drug that can correct a spinal misalignment.
Many patients do not realize the neck plays a significant role in balance control. Misalignment and dysfunction of the upper neck can irritate the nerves in this area and interfere with proper blood flow, as well as cerebrospinal fluid flow in and out of the head which can affect the function of these structures. This would seem like an obvious and logical thing to consider.
As research continues to emerge it appears as though upper cervical chiropractic care is the non-invasive treatment of choice for Meniere’s disease and vertigo patients.
Reference:
Pennington D, Miller J D, Successful Chiropractic Management of a Patient with Meniere’s Disease Post Vestibular Nerve Section: A Case Report. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research. Nov 30th, 2015.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom, call 208-487-8653, or just click the button below
About the Author
