Meniere's Disease

No cure yet, but you can get help

Meniere's disease is almost always idiopathic, which means that no specific cause for the disease can be found. At this time, Meniere's disease has no cure. But the uncomfortable symptoms of Meniere's can be managed. You and your doctor can develop a plan to help ease your symptoms. Your doctor can also recommend changes in your daily life to help make living with Meniere's easier.

What your Doctor can do

Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of Meniere's. Then you and your doctor can discuss how Meniere's affects your life and develop a plan to manage your symptoms. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, medical procedures, and certain types of surgery.

What you can do

You can learn how to live more comfortably with Meniere's. Limiting the amount of salt you eat can often keep Meniere's under control. Other tips - such as reducing stress in your life and learning what to do during an attack - may also help. above all, stay active and keep a positive outlook. Meniere's doesn't have to stop you from doing most of what you want and need to do.

Taking medications

Certain medications can help manage Meniere's symptoms. Some help reduce fluid pressure in the inner ear that leads to symptoms. Others help ease symptoms themselves. No medication will cure Meniere's, and no medication is right for everyone. You and your doctor can work together to choose the most effective medication regimen for you.

Reducing the Fluid

Certain medications called diuretics rid your body of excess fluid. By doing so, they may help reduce fluid buildup (hydrops) in your inner ear. Because diuretics may also make your body lose a mineral called potassium, your doctor may prescribe potassium supplements.

Treating your symptoms

Certain medications can help ease the symptoms of a vertigo attack. These include:

• Anti-dizziness medications to help relieve vertigo
• Anti-nausea (also called antiemetic) medications to help you relax and sleep during a vertigo attack

Note: Because of the nausea and vomiting that accompany vertigo attacks, these medications may be prescribed in rectal suppository form.

Other medications

Your doctor may prescribe one or more additional medications for you. These may help reduce inner ear swelling, improve hearing, or relieve symptoms. These medications include vasodilators, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, steroids, and antihistamines.

Medical and Surgical Procedures

For severe Meniere's that doesn't respond to other types of treatment, draining or removing part or all of the ear's balance canals that may be recommended. Damage to hearing and possible worsening of balance problems are a risk of these types of procedures, so they're not for everyone. Your doctor can discuss risks and benefits in more detail.

Antibiotic Therapy

Certain antibiotics may permanently shut down the balance portion of the inner ear, helping to relieve symptoms of vertigo. Antibiotic therapy is generally given in the doctor's office over a period of several weeks. If only one ear needs treatment, liquid antibiotic is injected directly into the inner ear. If both ears need treatment, liquid antibiotic is injected into a muscle, such as the arm.

Other Lifestyle Changes

In addition to changes in your diet, certain other changes may help you manage Meniere's. Some of these changes are minor. Others require more dedication. They include cutting down on stress and avoiding certain substances. Special devices may also help make you more comfortable and improve your hearing. Ask your doctor whether any of these lifestyle changes are appropriate for you.

Avoid Certain Substances

Certain substances affect how your body regulates fluid, and can make Meniere's worse. These include:

• Caffeine, which constricts your blood vessels and reduces blood flow to your inner ear. Avoid drinks and foods (such as coffee, cola, and chocolate) that are high in caffeine.
• Alcohol, which can disturb your sense of balance. Avoid alcohol, or limit it to very small amounts.
• Smoking, which constricts blood vessels, weakens your immune system, and harms your general health. By affecting your circulation, smoking may contribute to Meniere's symptoms. Quitting smoking is always a good idea.

Pay Attention to your Body

People with Meniere's sometimes find that such things as bright lights, loud noises, or very low sounds bring on symptoms or make the symptoms worse. Pay attention to how you feel. If you notice something making you feel worse, talk to your doctor.

Coping with Meniere's Disease

Coping with an illness such as Meniere's is not easy. But, with some changes, you can live a full and normal life. Learn as much as you can about how to deal with attacks and how you can help yourself between attacks. Also, educate the people around you. Talk to your employer, friends, and family. The more they know about Meniere's, the easier it will be for them to understand what you're going through and to offer help when they can.

Your daily Life

Meniere's unpredictable and disruptive symptoms will probably mean having to make adjustments in your daily life. Keep these strategies in mind:

• At work: If Meniere's interferes with your job, think about changes that would help. Then talk to your employer. If changes can't be made, ask whether moving to a better-suited position within the company is an option.
• At home: If your balance is unsteady, move sharp, breakable objects out of the way. Arrange stable, sturdy objects so that you can use them for support.
• In the car: If you have attacks that occur without warning, driving may be dangerous for you. Explore public or private transportation options. Low-cost transportation is often available for those who need it.

What to do during an attack

When you have a vertigo attack or feel one starting:

• Lie down on a firm surface in a darkened room.
• Stay as still as possible.
• Keep your eyes open. It may help to stare at a stationary object.
• Take any medications that you have for an attack.
• Don't get up until the spinning passes. When you do get up, do so slowly.
• Find a comfortable place to rest or sleep for several hours while you regain your sense of balance.

Exercise

A healthy body can help you better cope with the challenges of Meniere's. In general, eat right and get plenty of sleep. And keep active by exercising regularly. This can help loosen and strengthen your muscles and keep your body as healthy as possible. If you need them, your doctor may also recommend vestibular (balance) exercises. These exercises may be taught in your doctor's office or by a physical therapist. They're designed to help improve your balance and coordination and lessens dizziness.

Your Emotions

While learning to cope with chronic illness, you may find you have periods of depression, frustration, and fear. These are all normal feelings. Give yourself time to adjust. But don't give in to self-pity. You can live and cope with Meniere's. Stay active - don't let Meniere's stop you from living a full, enjoyable life. And stay close to family and friends. Tell them how you're feeling and how they can help you. Also, spend time with them doing things you enjoy.

Notes to Family and Friends

Having a loved one with a chronic illness can be challenging. Your loved one will have to make changes in his or her life. Your own life may change as well. To make the transition easier, try these tips below:

• Communicate. Talk about your feelings and concerns, and encourage your loved one to do the same. The more you communicate, the fewer misunderstandings you're likely to have.
• Support. Offer your loved one the emotional and physical support he or she needs. But avoid being overprotective or controlling.
• Learn. Read and ask as much as you can about Meniere's disease. Understanding will help you better cope with your loved one's illness