Ménière's Society

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Treatments

Treatment is aimed at reducing, controlling and helping the symptoms. It is symptomatic treatment and will vary with the needs of each patient at that time.

  • Treatments aimed at controlling the attacks of vertigo
    Drugs such as betahistine (Serc) and a low dose of a diuretic on a regular basis can reduce the frequency of attacks of vertigo. Vestibular sedatives (cinnarizine-Stugeron) and anti sickness drugs (prochlorperazine-Stemetil) help to control the vertigo and vomiting during the attacks.

  • Specific exercises
    Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can be helpful between the attacks of vertigo to help compensate for difficulties with balance. The exercises can be especially useful in later stages of the disease. These specific exercise programmes need to be done only under the supervision of a physiotherapist or hearing therapist.

  • Low salt diet
    This can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks of vertigo in some people.

  • Treatment to help tinnitus
    Various white noise generators, which help mask the tinnitus, as well as retraining and counselling are available.

  • Treatment to help hearing loss
    Hearing aids are important for all people with hearing loss, whether it is in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). There are specific hearing problems for people with MD but most can be helped by the range of aids available.

  • Adaptation of lifestyle
    Reducing stress and regular relaxation helps with coping with the anxiety MD can produce. Some complementary therapies are beneficial.

  • Counselling
    MD affects all aspects of a person's life. Change of employment, financial problems, as well as personal and relationship difficulties can occur. Counselling can help with these and improve the quality of life.

In four out of five people these measures are sufficient to control the symptoms. However if vertigo remains a problem there are several further procedures that can help to control vertigo. These are:

  • Gentamicin treatment
    Controlled use of gentamicin given locally to the ear can reduce and control the vertigo.

  • Saccus decompression
    This is a surgical operation on the endolymphatic sac of the inner ear. There are several variations. They aim to reduce the pressure of the fluid in the sac.

  • Vestibular nerve section
    This is a neurosurgical operation. The nerve from the balance organ in the inner ear is cut, stopping the abnormal messages reaching the brain and therefore stopping the vertigo.

  • Labyrinthectomy
    This operation destroys the inner ear and stops any vertigo arising from that ear. However, it also destroys the hearing in that ear.

How to help yourself

Most people with MD cope well with their symptoms and the problems it produces. Understanding the disease and discussing treatment options with your doctor is valuable. Counselling, relaxation and stress management play an important part in maintaining a good quality of life. Contact with other people with MD via local groups and the Ménière's Society can improve confidence and provide valuable support and information. The Society can also support the family and carers of people with MD.

The Ménière's Society has many more information sheets on all aspects of Ménière's disease, its treatment and management. Information sheets and SPIN, the Society's quarterly magazine for members, are available on joining the Society.

Disclaimer

The Ménière's Society recommends that you always consult your GP, Consultant or Therapist for professional guidance before you change, temporarily suspend or discontinue any treatment, medication, exercise or diet. The Society cannot advise on individual cases nor accept any liability resulting from the use of any treatments referred to in this information sheet.