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Treatment of Ménière’s disease

Treatment for Ménière’s disease involves trying to control the associated symptoms.

Drugs:

Drugs are available to control the symptoms of acute vertigo (prochlorperazine, cinnarizine) and nausea (anti-sickness drugs). You should carry your medication with you at all times in case you have an attack. Drugs that can reduce the frequency of attacks of vertigo (betahistine, diuretics) should be taken regularly. These drugs are not suitable for everyone so you will need to discuss with your GP.

There are drugs that can help reduce the rate at which endolymph is secreted in the labyrinth. This should improve your balance and reduce your vertigo. Your doctor may suggest ear drops containing gentamicin to control vertigo.

Surgery:

In some cases an operation to reduce the pressure of the fluid in the ear may be necessary. This is called saccus decompression. Grommet surgery (to drain some of the fluid in the ear using small tubes) may be an option.An operation called a vestibular nerve section can reduce vertigo by cutting the nerve from the balance organ in the inner ear.In severe cases, surgical removal of the labyrinth (labyrinthectomy) may be performed. This is normally done only if one ear is affected and the hearing loss is already serious, because it means you will not be able to hear from that ear again.

Other:

  • Your ENT specialist may refer you to an audiologists or hearing therapist.
  • Some people find it helpful to see a physiotherapist who can teach exercises to improve the balance.
  • There is a range of hearing aids available to suit different people.
  • Treatments for tinnitus that block out loud noises (tinnitus maskers) are available.
  • People with tinnitus are encouraged to avoid silence and employ relaxation techniques.
  • Stress management, and changes to the diet (a low salt diet) can be beneficial.
  • If you drive, you must inform the DVLA that you have Ménière’s disease.