Suffering from Labyrinthitis (Vestibular Problem)

[TV9Driver]

I've heard that you can get a waiver if you have Meniere's but it is pretty hard.

I think there are 2 different tests for Meniere's, an ENG and an Eletrococleargram or something like that. My doc didn't give me the tests because he doesn't suspect that I have it.

do you have vertigo?

 

[Captainzero1]

I was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis back in 06, took almost 4 months to feel better. My family doctor was useless, went to a neurologist who diagnosed it. A specialist on the problem gave me some excersizes to do which helped.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

No vertigo but there is definately something wrong. I get light-headedness and a sense of imbalance in general and with hearing in my right ear. I also get these "deaf-like" or quiet sensations which come and go along with tinitus. Initially, I thouht it might just be sinus issues, but the ENT (over a year ago) dismissed it. The odd thing is that he did ask whether I had pain in my right ear as it looked infected (he thought it to be swimmers ear). Evidently, he did see something. I told him theres no pain but I have this weird numb like, pressure and overall imbalance. Even my vision in my right eye seems a little off. He just game me some useless ear drops and nothing changed.

After performing some of those exercises I actually feel better for a little while, but then the sensations eventually come back. I've had moments where my right ear pops (or at least it feels like it) and the imbalanced sensation totally disappears and I feel NORMAL in contrast. But more often than not, I've been living with this and its getting to the point where I can no longer compensate and "grin and bear it."

 

[Amish RakeFight]

I was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis back in 06, took almost 4 months to feel better. My family doctor was useless, went to a neurologist who diagnosed it. A specialist on the problem gave me some excersizes to do which helped.

4 months is a very long time. What was required of you in terms of treatment. Did you have to adhere or abstain from a particular diet (like coffee and alcohol). Were you given medications. When will you know you're cured "officially." Did you have to stay at home and sleep or lay down often? Were you not able to fly during this period (I'm guessing so)?

This really sucks to have to deal with. Althouh Ive been hesitant to address this, its beginning to casue problems in my social life. I literally seem to keep my head in odd positions or tilt and lean it towards the right. It somehow feels better when I pivot the head a bit in akward positons. Poor mans Epley Manevuer, I supoose.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

I was diagnosed with Labyrinthitis back in 06, took almost 4 months to feel better. My family doctor was useless, went to a neurologist who diagnosed it. A specialist on the problem gave me some excersizes to do which helped.

Not to belabor the point (I'm trying to get as much info as possible), but what symptoms were you personally experiencing which made you seek out medical help. The symptoms can vary from individual to individual, so I just would like to compare notes.

Thanks.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

One more question:


How does one typically get this? Are some more prone than others or is it induced by a medicine, diet, or some contagion?

Were you told or had you figured out where this might have come from? It's hard to think it transmits like a common cold, but who knows.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

Another thing you might look into, and i'm going to see a specialist tomorrow about it is TMJ. I never thought that a jaw problem could cause these symptoms, but a fellow pilot told me his story about going through the same thing i am and it turned out to be TMJ. The joint is located millimeters from your inner ear so if it gets inflammed, it causes all sorts of problems for your ear - dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, bad headaches, - all the same symptoms for a vestibular nuerotitis.

I once had heard that if you apply reverse pressure from the underside of your jaw while attempting to gently and slowly open the jaw helps reseat the jaw discs. This actually seemed to help and the hearing seemed to improve in my right ear. I definately have some TMJ going on. There's a lot fo clicking and when I perform that expercise, it feels like I'm snapping something into place.

Let me know what came of the TMJ story. Like I said earlier, Ive been told I grind my teeth at night and that it predominantly affects males. I just refuse to wear a mouth guard at night.

 

[TV9Driver]

It looks like I have TMJ issues. The doc did an EMG test (kind of like an EKG but they put sensors on the muscles around your jaw and face) and it showed that the muscle behind my right ear (my problem ear) was not relaxing and having problems.

Now I just have to figure out a way to pay for this. Apparently medical insurance doesn't cover TMJ, so i'm not sure what to do.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

I too may have a TMJ issue as well. When I move my jaw up and down, the jaw shifts left and right slightly. I'm almost certain I have worn away my TMJ. Look into your bite. I've had a lower aft tooth removed, which coupled with teeth grinding, can create an imbalance in your bite leading to further TMJ destruction.

It's surprising that TMJ isn't covered by insurance. An operation may be involved with TMJ if the discs are worn enough. You should also look into getting a night guard for sleeping. This is supposed to prevent TMJ smyptoms as the grinding takes place unconciosuly in your sleep.

At this point, I may have a TMJ issue, Labyrinthitis or god knows. Hopefully, the ENT will make an accurate call next week.

Thanks again for sharing the info. Please feel free to add any additional insight you've gained through any of this. I'll do the same. I know there must be more out ther suffering from these ailments, but are going undiagnosed.

 

[TV9Driver]

If you explore the TMJ thing, definitely go to a dentist who practices neuromuscular dentistry and not just a regular dentist who treats TMJ. A NM dentist uses a few specific tests (EMG, TENS, K7) to find out where the problem is exactly and can precisely tune your bite and occlusion. A regular dentist will just give you a mouthpiece to wear - and an incorrect mouthpiece can do more damage than good.

That is what i've learned so far. I have another appointment on Tuesday for a second opinion. I'll let you know what I find out.