Meniere’s Disease: Treatment, Management and Prevention

By Dez Duran-Lamanilao

Globally, around 12 out of every 1,000 people suffer from Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that may cause episodes of vertigo or dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), imbalance, nausea, vomiting, fullness or pressure in one ear, and fluctuating, progressive hearing loss.

Meniere’s disease is also known as endolymphatic hydrops. The average attack may last for two to four hours. In most cases however, patients eventually suffer from a progressive hearing loss.

The disease affects approximately 0.2% of the US population, a figure of over 600,000 individuals. Furthermore, the Framingham study found that 2% of Americans believe they are suffering from the disease, based on the symptoms they are experiencing. One of the most difficult symptoms patients have to deal with is sudden fall, which occurs without warning and may cause severe injury.

While there is no known Meniere’s disease treatment yet, doctors provide and/or suggest medication, the use of noninvasive pressure pulse generator, surgery and proper diet to manage the disease. In addition, they also advise patients to lay down on a firm surface and stay as still as possible during an acute attack, with eyes fixed on a non-moving object. They do not recommend drinking water as there is possibility of vomiting. Rest is also encouraged during and after attacks.

The hydrops diet regimen is an important part of treatment for virtually all patients suffering from the disease. The core element of the diet is a reduced sodium input, instead of the usual restriction in protein and calories. The goal is to provide stable blood or fluid levels to avoid secondary fluctuations in the inner ear fluid.

Since salt, along with stress, can affect hearing and balance, to prevent setting off a vertigo attack, patients with Meniere’s disease should spread their salt intake evenly and try to involve themselves in activities that help reduce stress. Experts suggest an intake of about 3 grams per day of salt.

Treatments are aimed at decreasing the symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease. For the most part, the disease can be controlled to allow the individual to live a normal, worry-free life.