Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s Disease is a disorder of the inner ear. Symptoms that are experienced are caused by an abnormal build up of fluid inside the inner ear disrupting the inner ear’s usual functions. The inner ear is responsible for the function of hearing and balance. Symptoms include vertigo and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus or a feeling of fullness or bursting. These symptoms can be experienced as an attack, varying from 10 minutes to several hours, or can be slower to develop over time with gradual hearing loss. An attack may cause a loss of balance and mild hearing loss. Over time as Ménière’s Disease progresses symptoms of vertigo and dizziness reduce and hearing loss becomes more significant.

There is no known cause of  Ménière’s Disease but symptoms can often be effectively managed with diet, medications or medical procedures. You should discuss this with your Ear Nose & Throat Specialist. In addition it is very important you engage in balance and vestibular rehabilitation. This involves a series of progressive exercises involving eye movements, head positioning, neck movement and balance exercises, which can improve your balance, reduce your risk of falls and reduce your vertigo and dizziness.  Neurological Physiotherapists at ANR are ready to help you through this process.