Is there a link between Meniere’s Disease and BPPV?

Dizziness that is caused by Meniere’s disease

First, let’s define Meniere’s disease. This is a syndrome where membranes and structures in the inner ear hold too much fluid and become swollen. Although the cause of the disease has not been thoroughly explained, Meniere’s disease has a three symptoms:​
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1. Shifting loss of hearing in one ear
2. Vertigo
3. Tinnitus    

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In some instances, patients encounter feelings of fullness in the affected ear. Typical cases if vertigo with Meniere’s disease are not linked to how the head is positioned, like with BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo - a prevalent type of vertigo related to the ears.). The attacks can happen with no warning, and may last over 20 minutes on each occasion. Each attack may cause serious bouts of nausea and vomiting.

Dizziness that is caused by BPPV

Vertigo associated with BPPV occurs when lying your head down, turning your head in a specific direction, or hanging your head upside down. Small crystals of calcium become loose inside your inner ear, and when you get in or stand up out of bed, or even if you slant your head, you may feel those crystals becoming loose. It is common among those who are over 60 years of age. This problem can be relieved by engaging in special exercises for the head and neck. These exercises include the Epley Maneuver, the Semont Maneuver, the Half-Somersault or Foster Maneuver, and the Brandt-Daroff Exercise.

Treatments for Meniere’s disease and BPPV

The Epley maneuver is a treatment where the head is moved in a particular set of positions in order to attempt to force the displaced crystals out from the semicircular canals.
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Those who suffer from Meniere’s disease can find relief through a pressure pulse generator known as a Menniett Device, or even prescribed anti-dizziness medication. Patients are also encouraged to lower their consumption of salt and take diuretics to lessen the amount of fluid stored in the inner ear. Hearing loss that is linked to Meniere’s disease can be improved by wearing a hearing aid in the ear that is affected.    

So the answer as to whether there is a link with Meniere’s disease and BPPV is, no. There is a possibility that someone can have both afflictions occurring at the same time, but there isn't necessarily a correlation between the two.

Studies have found that in Meniere’s disease, hearing loss may become progressive and could result in permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or uneven pressure in one ear. Some individuals who suffer from these symptoms found that wearing hearing aids, which balances hearing in each ear, can diminish problems with vertigo. Hearing aids can also alleviate the effects of hearing loss that are linked to the disease.

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