Ménière's disease

Ménière's disease is not a common condition; however, it can develop at any age and affects both genders equally. The condition tends to fluctuate, with phases of acute symptoms followed by phases of remission. Certain sufferers may experience further complications, for example, those with professions that rely on a sense of balance, such as scaffolders, pilots, and bus drivers.

While it is difficult to predict who will develop Ménière's disease, a person may be at higher risk if they have a family member with the condition, have an autoimmune disease such as diabetes, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or have allergies. Prior head injuries, particularly ones involving the ear, and previous viral infections of the inner ear may also put a person at higher risk of Ménière's disease.

At the present time, the cause of Ménière's disease is unknown. However, the symptoms of the condition are caused by a build-up of fluid within the inner ear, which impacts balance and hearing.

If you are experiencing vertigo, book an appointment with your GP. Depending on their assessment of your symptoms, you may be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist or prescribed medication to help alleviate the severity of your symptoms.

People who receive this diagnosis often ask, how long does Meniere's disease last? Ménière's disease is an ongoing condition that unfortunately can’t be cured. However, some people with the condition experience periods of remission where the symptoms are very mild or non-existent.

Because there is no cure, Ménière's disease treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing (or reducing the severity of) attacks. To help reduce the frequency of the attacks and their severity, those with the condition may:

• Learn to recognise the warning signs that an attack is starting.
• Take time to rest after an attack.
• Become acquainted with the triggers that exacerbate symptoms.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
• Reduce their daily sodium intake.
• Take part in vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
• Take medications that control nausea, vertigo and fluid retention within the ear.

If your vertigo doesn’t respond to medical intervention, your doctor may also suggest pressure pulse devices, which can help relieve pressure build-up within the ear and thus reduce vertigo. Chemical ablation is another non-surgical option for treatment-resistant vertigo. In this procedure, doctors use an antibiotic to reduce or destroy the ear’s vestibular functions (responsible for balance). In doing so, signals are no longer sent to the brain.

In some severe cases, surgery may be required to reduce the amount of fluid within the inner ear or to cut the nerve that sends balance and movement signals to the brain. Although surgery will not cure the condition, it may help to reduce the severity of symptoms such as vertigo.

If attacks are triggered by stress, it is worth speaking to your healthcare practitioner about mental health support. And if you are experiencing hearing loss as a result of Ménière's disease, hearing aids (many of which are designed to also alleviate tinnitus) can be an option.

Ménière's disease can be difficult to live with, especially if you are experiencing its early stages. Consider connecting with a support group if you have questions about living with symptoms, dealing with attacks or monitoring the condition’s progression.