How is Ménière's Disease diagnosed and treated?

If you suspect you may be affected by Ménière's Disease, it is important to seek the advice of your family doctor (GP) immediately.

The doctor will usually refer you to a Consultant, who will build up a history of the attacks and will exclude other possible causes of the hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness and vertigo. Routine and special hearing tests reveal the pattern of deafness, indicating if it is typical of Ménière’s Disease. Balancing tests and electrical recordings of eye movements will also be used to evaluate the balance functions of the inner ear. These tests are not invasive. Electrical recordings from the inner ear may be indicated.

Tests such as auditory brain-stem responses (ABR), computerised axial tomography (CAT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to rule out more serious though rare causes, such as tumours or various neurological diseases.

The doctor and/or Consultant are also likely to carry out routine physical and blood tests.

What treatments are available?

Though there is no cure for Ménière’s Disease, there are a number of effective treatments which can help.

• Various sedative drugs can reduce the severity of vertigo during attacks.
• Medicines designed to influence the blood supply or fluid movements in the inner ear may help and are frequently prescribed.
• In severe cases, if attacks persist despite medication, a Consultant may advise surgery. A number of different operations have been devised, some to reduce pressure in the inner ear, others to diminish or abolish the abnormal impulses passing from ear to brain.

What should I do if I suffer an attack?

• During acute attacks, lie quietly, preferably with the eyes closed, on whichever side helps to minimise the spinning sensation. A drug called Buccastem, taken under the tongue, will reduce the effects of the attack. In the case of a prolonged attack, your doctor may administer the drug by injection.
• Severe attacks are likely to result in several days of dizziness and instability. Until these affects have passed, it is important to rest and a few days off work may be necessary.
• Mild attacks can be managed by medication and a few days of rest.
• Should an attack start while driving (there is usually some warning such as increased pressure in the ear or slight dizziness), pull over and seek assistance. Road traffic accidents are remarkably rare for those with Ménière's Disease. If you suffer from drop attacks, you should not drive until they have been stopped through surgery.

How can lifestyle factors influence Ménière’s Disease?

Many believe that a healthy lifestyle can help to alleviate the symptoms of Ménière's Disease, making the attacks less frequent or less severe. In particular, those affected by Ménière's Disease should try to avoid:

• stress
• alcohol
• excess salt
• nicotine
• caffeine

Balancing exercises have also been designed specifically for those affected.