Meniere's disease involves a combination of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness. The source of these issues is not known, but can cause serious discomfort and debilitation to patients. A variety of therapies including physical therapy can be used to treat and control the symptoms of Meniere's disease. While there is no cure, many patients find that their symptoms decrease naturally over time even without treatment.
About Meniere's Disease
The cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, but is thought to be related to an imbalance of fluid pressure between the different compartments of the ear. This can occur after some infections like syphilis or after head injuries. The disease can involve one or both ears and symptoms can be sporadic or continuous and often fade over time.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
The benefits of physical therapy for Meniere's disease include symptom management and lifestyle improvement. It will not cure your disease. Exercises are designed to decrease dizziness, increase balance, and increase general activity. These exercises train the brain to use functions other than the inner ear to establish balance.
Meniett Devices
Meniett devices can also provide valuable therapy for Meniere's sufferers. These devices apply positive pressure to the middle ear. This improves fluid exchange in the ear. Treatments can be performed at home and take five minutes. Meniett therapy may improve vertigo, tinnitus and aural pressure.
Other Treatments
Other ways to treat Meniere's disease include medications like diuretics, and vestibular suppressants. Surgery can also help relieve pressure but involves risks and is generally reserved for patients that have failed to experience improvement using other therapies. Surgical treatments include endolymphatic sac decompression, labyrinthectomy and vestibular nerve sectioning.
