Meniere's Disease - Vertigo - Tinnitus - Dizziness - Endolymphatic Hydrops - Inner Ear Pressure - Labyrinthitis
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Meniere's Disease Treatment
Treatment 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.
Pressure, discomfort or fullness in the ear
"drop attacks"
painful tinnitus
fluctuating hearing loss,
severe vertigo or dizziness
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 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) and other medications may 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 episodes.
Naturally any injuries suffered from an unpredictable fall, must be cared for. For the family this kind attack is very frightening. For the Meniere's sufferer, it is most unpleasant. And if this is happening out in the public, it is devastating. (For this reason, many Meniere's sufferers become recluses or depressed and frightened.)
Help may be needed with walking due to loss of balance. Rest is crucial during severe episodes, as is a gradually increase in activity. It is important not to participate in hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, climbing, and similar activities until one week after 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.
There have been reported cases of permanent recovery. But many people continue to suffer for years. Many have tried all the possible treatments with little or no lasting effect and relief. What works best for them is the relief of immediate symptoms.
Relief from
The spinning and loss of balance, (vertigo)
The dizziness or light headedness
The frequent sensation of fullness or wax in the ear
The fluctuating and annoying hearing loss
The uncomfortable and often painful ringing in the ear
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 is focused on relieving symptoms by lowering the pressure within the endolymphatic sac.
The most commonly performed surgical treatment for Ménière'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 that relieve the condition. These 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 purpose of 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. And, unfortunately, all operations on the ear carry a risk of hearing loss.
Lifestyle changes are encouraged.
Diet recommendations include a low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention. A hydrops diet regimen will probably be recommended. This is an important part of treatment for virtually all patients with Meniere's disease. Experience has shown that STRICT adherence to this dietary regimen will result in significant improvement in most patients.
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 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 can often be controlled with treatment. Recovery may occur spontaneously. However, the disorder may be chronic and disabling.
Many people have tried almost everything, 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 symptoms are so unpleasant.
This is a brief overview. For a more detailed list of available treatments please click here
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