Treatment for Ménière's Disease

Ménière syndrome is a disease that causes inner ear dysfunction and although there is no cure, it is possible to resort to various types of treatments to improve symptoms and prevent worsening of the disease.

Treatment usually consists of changes in habits and use of medicines that reduce vertigo, such as Dimenhydrate, Betametin or Hydrochlorothiazide, for example. However, in cases where such remedies do not have the proper effect, surgery may be necessary.

The cause of this syndrome is not well understood, but is believed to arise due to fluid accumulation in the ear canals. It manifests itself with symptoms such as dizziness, loss of hearing, tinnitus, a blocked ear, nausea and vomiting. Learn more about how to identify the symptoms of Ménière's syndrome.

The treatment of Ménière's syndrome is guided by the otorhinolaryngologist, and consists of:

1. Use of medicines

The most commonly used medicines to treat Ménière's syndrome should be indicated by the doctor, and include:

• Antiemetics, such as Meclizine, Dimenhydrate, Promethazine or Metoclopramide : are used at the time of the crisis, because they are medicines that, in addition to treating nausea, decrease vertigo caused by movement;
• Tranquilizers, such as Lorazepam or Diazepam : are also used during crises to reduce the sensation of dizziness and vertigo;
• Diuretics, such as Hydrochlorothiazide : are often indicated to reduce the frequency and intensity of dizziness crises, since they act to decrease the accumulation of fluid inside the ear canal, which is a probable cause of the disease;
• Anti-vertiginous, such as Betaine : continuously used to control and reduce the symptoms of vertigo, nausea, tinnitus and hearing loss.

In addition, other classes of medications, such as vasodilators, may also be indicated to improve local circulation, as well as corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, as a means of regulating immune activity in the ear region.

2. Natural treatment

The first step in treating Ménière's syndrome is with changes in habits, as these are ways of reducing the number and severity of attacks.

Thus, one of the best natural ways to relieve and prevent the onset of symptoms associated with Ménière's syndrome is to eat a diet with little or no salt. This is because the body retains less water, decreasing the amount of fluid in the ear that can cause vertigo and motion sickness.

The diet for Ménière's syndrome consists of:

• Replace the salt with herbs;
• Avoid industrialized products;
• Avoid eating salty foods, such as ham or cheese;
• Opt for grilled or baked food, to avoid sauces with too much salt. See more tips on decreasing dietary salt intake.

In addition, it is indicated to decrease the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, since they are substances irritating to the structures of the ear. Stress should also be avoided as it negatively stimulates the nervous system and can trigger new seizures.

Here's the recommended diet for people with this syndrome:

3. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is very important for those who suffer from this disease, and is called vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

In this treatment, the physiotherapist can recommend exercises that can help decrease the symptoms of dizziness and imbalance, improving the sensitivity to movement, as well as make safety recommendations for the person to use in times of crisis.

4. Injection of medications into the ear

This type of treatment is recommended when previous therapies have not had the desired effect. There are medications that can be injected into the ear through the tympanic membrane to reduce the symptoms of vertigo:

• Antibiotics, such as Gentamicin: an antibiotic that is toxic to the ear and therefore, decreases the activity of the affected ear in the control of the balance, transferring this function only to the healthy ear;
• Corticosteroids, such as Dexamethasone: is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation of the ear, reducing the intensity of seizures.

This type of treatment can only be done in the office of an otorrino specialized in the treatment of problems like Ménière's syndrome.

5. Surgery

Surgery is also only indicated in cases where other forms of treatment have not had an effect in reducing the frequency or intensity of seizures. Some options include:

• Decompression of the endolymphatic sac, which alleviates vertigo by reducing fluid production or increasing its absorption;
• Section of the vestibular nerve, in which the vestibular nerve is cut, solving the problems of vertigo without harming the hearing;
• Labirintectomy, which solves the problems of vertigo but also causes deafness, so it is only used in cases where there is already hearing loss.

The best method is indicated by the otorhinolaryngologist, according to the main symptoms presented by each person, such as hearing loss or dizziness.