Options and Information for the Treatment of Meniere’s Disease
The treatment options for Meniere’s disease can be divided into two sections: acute and chronic. In the acute stage, you could be dealing with one or all of these:
- The spinning and loss of balance, (vertigo)
- The dizziness or light headedness
- The frequent sensation of fullness or wax in the ear, ear pain or pressure
- The fluctuating and annoying hearing loss or hearing fluctuation
- The uncomfortable and often painful ringing in the ear – Tinnitus
In the acute stage most people just need to remain quietly where they are: on the floor or lying down. It is best if they could focus on one spot, but many cannot.
Some people like to have company and have their hand held. Others want to be alone. It is not wise to give or take drinks, as choking could be an issue. It also adds to the probability of vomiting.
Make sure you have discussed these Meniere’s disease attacks with your family so that they don’t panic when one happens.
Medication wise, the doctor may order antihistamines, anticholinergics, sedative-hypnotics, anti-emetic agents, (anti-nausea) diazepam, (to relax) (e.g., atropine or scopolamine), or diuretics (water pills). They may also suggest other medications to relieve dizziness or vertigo and associated nausea and vomiting.
Between attacks, different medications may be prescribed to help regulate the fluid pressure in your inner ear, thereby reducing the severity and frequency of the Meniere’s disease symptoms and episodes.
Naturally any injuries suffered from an unpredictable fall, must be cared for.
For the family this kind Meniere’s disease attack is very frightening. And if this is happening out in the public, it is devastating. (For this reason, many people with Meniere’s disease become recluses or depressed and frightened).
Help may be needed with walking due to loss of balance. Rest is crucial, especially during severe Meniere’s disease episodes or attacks. You also need to gradually increase your level activity to where it was before the episode. You will feel very tired, so pushing yourself at this stage could trigger another attack.
It is important not to participate in hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, climbing, and similar activities until one week after your Meniere’s disease symptoms disappear. During the attacks, avoid bright lights, TV, or reading, as they may make symptoms worse.
Some attacks may occur during the night, so be sure you have a night light on; you’ll be relying more on vision to help maintain your balance.
Chronic Problems and Treatment Options for Meniere’s Disease
There have been reported cases of permanent recovery. But many people continue to suffer for years. Many have tried all the possible Meniere’s disease treatments with little or no lasting effect and relief. What works best for them is the relief of immediate symptoms.
Surgery on the labyrinth, endolymphatic sac, or the vestibular nerve may be required if symptoms are severe and do not respond to other treatment. This treatment procedure is focused on relieving symptoms by lowering the pressure within the endolymphatic sac.
The most commonly performed surgical operation for Meniere’s disease is the insertion of a shunt, a tiny silicone tube that is positioned in the inner ear to drain off excess fluid.
In another more reliable operation, a vestibular neurectomy, the vestibular nerve which serves balance is severed so that it no longer sends distorted messages to the brain.
In cases that are very severe and that do not respond to medication or diet regimens, your physician may suggest other surgical procedures for Meniere’s disease that relieve the condition.
The Surgical Procedures for Meniere’s Disease May Include;
- vestibular neurectomy
- labyrinthectomy
- sacculotomy (placement of a stainless steel tack through the footplate of the stapes)
- ultrasonic irradiation
- endolymphatic-subarachnoid shunt
- and cryosurgery for relief of frequent vertiginous attacks and degenerative hearing
The reason for treatment between attacks is to prevent or reduce the number of episodes and to decrease the chances of further hearing loss. A permanent tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or a progressive hearing loss may be the consequence of long-term Meniere’s disease.
Unfortunately, all operations on the ear carry a risk of hearing loss.
Lifestyle changes are encouraged.
Meniere’s disease diet recommendations include a low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention. A hydrops diet regimen will probably be recommended.
This is important for virtually all patients. Experience has shown that STRICT adherence to this dietary regimen will result in significant improvement in most patients with Meniere’s disease.
People who have chosen to use uniquely formulated nutritional supplementation along with anti-inflammatory products and natural nutrients that enhance circulation have experienced tremendous success and relief of their symptoms. This combination appears to control the inner ear fluid levels, while nourishing the depleted cells.
Others include:
- Abstention from alcohol and cigarettes
- Reduced exposure to stress
- Avoiding sudden movements that may aggravate symptoms
Meniere’s disease symptoms can often be controlled with treatment
Recovery may occur spontaneously. However, the disorder may also be chronic and disabling. Many people have tried almost every treatment and procedure there is, but balk at the thought of having their inner ear nerve cut. This, they know, will result in permanent hearing loss. Few are willing to do that although the Meniere’s disease symptoms are so unpleasant.
- If you would like a copy of our Meniere’s Disease Study Guide, please click here. This guide is a step by step journey exploring your symptoms and what may be causing them.
- If you would like more information on the system that David, and numerous others, have used, please click here; What Finally Worked.
- If you have any health questions or concerns, please feel free to Contact Us and we will be happy to share our knowledge and ideas with you.
Karin Henderson, Retired Nurse
(604) 463-8666 – Pacific Standard Time