Otoneurology Treatment in India

Saanvi Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer,...

Saanvi Sharma, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been active and social. Over the past six months, she began experiencing sudden, violent episodes of vertigo that felt like the room was spinning violently. These were accompanied by nausea, a roaring tinnitus in her right ear, and a feeling of fullness. The attacks, lasting for hours, were unpredictable and forced her to miss work and cancel plans, leaving her anxious and isolated. Her primary care doctor referred her to an ENT specialist. After a detailed history and a hearing test showed low-frequency hearing loss in the right ear, the otoneurologist diagnosed her with Ménière's disease. He recommended a comprehensive otoneurological workup, including videonystagmography (VNG) and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing, to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of vestibular dysfunction. The VNG testing, which involved wearing goggles to track eye movements during caloric and positional tests, was disorienting and triggered mild dizziness, but the technicians were reassuring. The VEMP test, with electrodes on her neck, was straightforward. The results confirmed unilateral vestibular weakness consistent with Ménière's. Post-procedure, Saanvi started a treatment plan including a strict low-sodium diet, a diuretic, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). While she still has occasional mild symptoms, the severe attacks have drastically reduced in frequency. Emotionally, she moved from a state of constant fear and frustration, feeling her life was spiraling out of control, to one of empowerment. Having a confirmed diagnosis and a clear management plan gave her hope and control back. She is now cautiously optimistic, learning to manage her condition and slowly returning to her social life.