Meniere's Disease

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Meniere's Disease Treatment

There is no known cure for Meniere's disease. Treatment is focused on lowering the pressure within the endolymphatic sac and on treating symptoms, which tend to occur in discrete "attacks."

Medications such as antihistamines, anticholinergics, and diuretics may lower endolymphatic pressure by reducing the amount of endolymphatic fluid. A low-salt diet to reduce fluid retention may also help (see sodium in diet).

Symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and associated nausea and vomiting may respond to sedative/hypnotics, benzodiazepines like diazepam, and anti-emetics.

Surgery on the labyrinth, endolymphatic sac, or the vestibular nerve may be required if symptoms are severe and do not respond to other treatment.

Hearing aids may be needed for severe hearing loss.

Avoid sudden movements that may aggravate symptoms. Help may be needed with walking due to loss of balance during attacks. Rest during severe episodes, and gradually increase activity. During episodes, avoid bright lights, TV, and reading, which may make symptoms worse.

Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, climbing and similar activities until one week after symptoms disappear.

Physical therapy aimed at acclimation to various positions may be useful.