Meniere's Disease Treatments

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes

These may help limit symptoms:

Bed-rest during acute attacks of vertigo
Avoid foods that are high in salt and high in sugar
Drink adequate fluids
Promptly begin replacing fluids lost to heat or exercise
Avoid caffeine, aspirin, and smoking
Minimize stress
Avoid medications that seem to bring on or worsen symptoms
Consider a hearing aid, if necessary
Consider masking devices (white noise) to limit the effects of tinnitus
Take safety measures to avoid falling
Consider getting exercise therapy to rehabilitate the inner ear
Restrict chocolate consumption
Reduce alcohol intake

Medications

Medications include:

Drugs to treat vertigo, such as meclizine or scopolamine
Antiemetics—medications to help control nausea
Other medications that may improve hearing, control inner ear swelling, or limit overall symptoms, including:
- Antihistamines
- Cortisone drugs for a short time
- Antidepressants or antianxiety medications
- Diuretics
Aminoglycoside therapy (such as streptomycin or gentamicin) to permanently destroy the part of the inner ear that deals with balance

Surgery

Surgical procedures are not always helpful, and include:

Endolymphatic sac decompression—removal of a portion of inner ear bone and placing a tube in the inner ear to drain excess fluid
Labyrinthectomy—destruction or removal of the entire inner ear, which controls balance and hearing
Vestibular nerve section

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2023 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.