I have found that Ménière's disease occurs in both ears around 15 - 20% of the time in the course of the illness. Usually only one ear is affected at first; the other may follow years later.

Do emotions or stress have an influence on Ménière's disease?

Yes, they do; patients with Ménière's disease are often sensitive people with an easily activated autonomous nervous system

Is there a connection between migraine and Ménière's disease?

Headaches are not a typical symptom in Ménière's disease. If they occur together, I would say this is most likely to be a coincidence.

Can Ménière's disease be inherited?

I have observed a concentration of Ménière's disease in a family in rare cases.

What are the prerequisites for Labyrinth Anaesthesia?

Labyrinth Anaesthesia is possible and advisable for anyone suffering from Ménière's disease. It can be conducted at any stage ’Äì even after previous surgical and other treatments of the disease. This especially applies if the disease is bilateral. In that case, Labyrinth Anaesthesia is often the only remaining treatment option. Internal disorders are not an obstacle. It is not recommended, however, if patients have a tendency to haemophilia or use blood-thinning medications. In rare cases, this can lead to slight bleeding in the middle ear or auditory canal after the procedure.

Will my health insurance assume the costs for Labyrinth Anaesthesia?

Professor von Ilberg can only charge fees on a private basis as he is not authorised to practise under the statutory health insurance system. However, on application and if evidence is provided that other treatments have not been successful so far, statutory health insurance funds are often willing to assume a share of the costs of treatment.

Where and when exactly does the procedure take place?

A detailed preliminary outpatient examination takes place at Professor von Ilberg's practice at Goethestrasse 23 in Frankfurt, Germany. Labyrinth Anaesthesia is generally performed at the Novo Linea Clinic for Plastic Surgery on the following day (to avoid the patient having to make a second trip). The patient needs to remain at the clinic for one night.

Are there any side-effects?

There have not been any side-effects apart from episodes of vertigo (of varying degrees of intensity) on the day of the Labyrinth Anaesthesia. In one out of far more than 500 cases that have now been treated, a patient suffered inflammation of the jaw on the day after the procedure. Labyrinth Anaesthesia does not affect or worsen the patient's hearing, nor does it impair the vestibular system.

Is there a contact if patients have any queries after the procedure?

Professor von Ilberg and his team can be contacted at any time by email or phone if you have any questions.