CBN's Scott Ross - Vertigo

Hi folks!

It's been a while since I have communicated with some of you. A belated Happy New Year!

Many people have been asking about my physical condition in regard to my "vertigo." Thank you for your concern and prayer. Sorry for my negligence in not giving a speedier report. The problem was finally diagnosed in December as Meniere's disease. I have no clue who Menier is or was, however, he or she, has been on my case and in my head for nigh on 10 months.

The Facts: Meniere's disease involves a dysfunction of the inner ear or semi-circular canals. The inner ear is a sensory organ responsible for providing the brain with information about the body's relative position in space. Meniere's disease is a relatively rare disorder seen more frequently in middle age. I guess I'm there. The cause of Meniere's disease remains unknown.

Menier's is a recurrent disorder. Common symptoms include vertigo (spinning sensation). In my case it has resulted in perpetual motion. Not reoccurring but continual. It hasn't stopped since the day it started last April. To use a nautical analogy, it is like being on a ship on a stormy sea with motion, fore and aft, and port to starboard.

Other common symptoms include, ringing in the ears, decreased hearing acuity and a sensation of "fullness" in the affected ear. Symptoms can be quite variable, and people may have more of one symptom than another. Mine is the "spinning", or "rocking and rolling."

To date I have had evaluation including a CT-scan of the head and MRI to rule out the possibility of a central nervous system problem (i.e. brain tumor) which could give rise to these symptoms. Special nerve conduction studies known as auditory evoked potentials can disclose abnormal functioning of the auditory nerve itself and help exclude acoustic neuroma (benign tumor of the auditory nerve). Audiometry testing was also conducted to assess hearing.

In my case these tests proved negative, with no hearing loss and more importantly.....no tumor. Thank God!

Treatment for Meniere's disease is difficult, and it often includes medication to suppress the symptoms. I took medication for a few days and it did nor improve or change the symptoms. I am not currently taking any medication. Surgery has been used in the treatment of difficult cases. However, at this point that has not been recommended to me. In the medical profession, the Neurologist is the expert in the treatment of this rare disorder. There is no known (natural) cure.

Even with this disorder, I must testify to the fact that I have traveled thousands of miles throughout the USA, Europe and Asia, for the purposes of TV, and ministry with no major adverse effects. One doctor recommended against it, however, Nedra and I decided to venture forth anyway. It is a bit strange praying for the sick and infirmed, when I am a bit "off balance" myself. Ah well, "my weakness, in His strength" is literally true.

In terms of current work and travel in February we are off to Nashville, for a TV series, with Larry Black, Nedra, and a number of the early pioneers of Jesus music. March I will be conducting a leadership seminar in Northern California. April, it's back to Manila with Gordon Robertson and CBN Asia.

May, I will be traveling to South Korea, for a major gathering and conference, in which I am the keynote speaker for five or six sessions in. In addition of course, I still have my primary responsibilities her at CBN and the 700 Club. I might add the folks here have been very patient with me as I reel through these hallowed halls.

I would appreciate your ongoing prayer so that the Lord will help me continue to "stand." I honestly believe that prayer is holding me up.

With much thanks and lots of love,

Scott Ross

P.S. Nedra adds her greetings.

More Scott Ross!

You can check out more Scott Ross on the CBN website at:

Scott Ross Straight Talk (www.cbn.org)!

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