Q I'm constantly anxious because I never know when an attack will come, and I can't even go out anymore. Is psychological distress also something you treat?
A Yes. Anticipatory anxiety about Meniere's attacks and panic-like symptoms are commonly accompanying. Because anxiety stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and worsens inner ear blood flow, psychological distress is also an important axis of treatment. When Korean medicine treatment stabilizes the mind and the qi and blood, anxiety and attacks decrease together.
Detailed Answer
Many Meniere's patients limit going out, driving, and social activities on their own due to anticipatory anxiety about not knowing when or where an attack will come. This chronic anxiety, through autonomic overactivation, further worsens inner ear blood flow and raises attack risk, creating a vicious cycle. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation and breathing training, and anti-anxiety medication when needed can help.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
In Korean medicine, this state accompanied by anxiety and palpitations is seen as instability of the Heart-Mind (simsin) and Liver qi stagnation. At Dongjedang, along with treating phlegm-fluid and Kidney deficiency, we add formulas that stabilize the Heart-Mind (of the Gwibi-tang and Sanjoin-tang families) to address anxiety and inner ear hypersensitivity together. As fear of attacks decreases, the autonomic nervous system stabilizes, and we aim for a virtuous cycle in which this in turn leads to attack prevention.
Related FAQs
-
Q
Can Meniere's disease be completely cured, or is it a condition I have to manage for life?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
-
Q
What happens if Meniere's, which started in one ear, spreads to the other ear as well?
#Comorbidities
-
Q
When a severe vertigo attack suddenly hits, what should I do right away at home?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
What daily habits are important for preventing Meniere's attacks in everyday life?
#Lifestyle Management
-
Q
During a vertigo attack, the vomiting is severe and it lasts more than twelve hours. What are the criteria for going to the emergency room?
#Safety