Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is a long-term condition that affects the inner ear and can cause sudden episodes of vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.

These attacks can be unpredictable and often have a significant impact on work, driving, social activities and confidence. While there is currently no cure for Ménière’s disease, many people can successfully manage their symptoms with the right combination of medical care, lifestyle changes and vestibular physiotherapy.

At Advanced Neuro Rehab, our Vestibular Physiotherapists work alongside your GP and Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist to help improve balance, reduce dizziness and support you in returning to your normal daily activities.

What is Ménière’s Disease?

Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear, which is responsible for both hearing and balance.

Although the exact cause is not fully understood, it is believed that changes in the amount or pressure of fluid within the inner ear interfere with the normal balance and hearing systems.

This disruption can cause sudden attacks of vertigo as well as changes in hearing.

Common Symptoms of Ménière’s Disease

Symptoms often occur in episodes or “attacks” that can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden episodes of vertigo (a spinning sensation)
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in one ear
• Fluctuating hearing loss, usually affecting one ear
• Increased sensitivity to loud sounds
• Fatigue following an attack

Between attacks, many people feel relatively well, although some continue to experience ongoing imbalance or dizziness.

As the condition progresses, vertigo attacks often become less frequent, while hearing loss may gradually become more noticeable.

How is Ménière’s Disease Treated?

There is currently no cure for Ménière’s disease, but many treatments can help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Management may include:

• Dietary modifications, such as reducing salt intake
• Medications prescribed by your doctor
• Treatment from an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist
• Medical procedures for more severe cases
• Vestibular rehabilitation with a Vestibular Physiotherapist

Your healthcare team will recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms.

How Can Vestibular Physiotherapy Help?

Although vestibular physiotherapy cannot cure Ménière’s disease, it can play an important role in managing ongoing dizziness and balance problems.

Vestibular rehabilitation helps your brain adapt to changes in the balance system and can improve your confidence with movement.

Your personalised treatment program may include:

• Balance retraining
• Gaze stability exercises
• Walking and mobility exercises
• Eye and head movement exercises
• Falls prevention strategies
• Individualised home exercise programs
• Check and treat co-existing vestibular conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Many people find vestibular rehabilitation helps them feel steadier, improves confidence and reduces the impact dizziness has on everyday life.

Why Choose Advanced Neuro Rehab?

Our Vestibular Physiotherapists have extensive experience assessing and treating people with Ménière’s disease and other causes of dizziness and vertigo.

We work closely with your GP, ENT specialist and other healthcare providers to provide evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation tailored to your individual symptoms and goals.

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been living with Ménière’s disease for many years, we’re here to help you improve your balance, manage dizziness and regain confidence in your daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can physiotherapy help Ménière’s disease?

Yes. While physiotherapy cannot cure Ménière’s disease, vestibular rehabilitation can improve balance, reduce dizziness between attacks, decrease your risk of falls and help you regain confidence with everyday activities.

What triggers Ménière’s disease attacks?

Triggers vary between individuals but may include stress, fatigue, high salt intake, dehydration, caffeine or alcohol. Keeping a symptom diary can sometimes help identify personal triggers.

Does Ménière’s disease cause hearing loss?

Yes. Hearing loss is one of the hallmark features of Ménière’s disease. It often fluctuates in the early stages and may become more permanent over time.

Is Ménière’s disease the same as vertigo?

No. Vertigo is a symptom, while Ménière’s disease is one of several conditions that can cause vertigo. Other causes include BPPV, vestibular migraine and vestibular neuritis.

Can Ménière’s disease be cured?

There is currently no cure, but many people successfully manage their symptoms with medical treatment, lifestyle modifications and vestibular rehabilitation.

Should I see a Vestibular Physiotherapist for Ménière’s disease?

If you’re experiencing ongoing dizziness, balance problems or reduced confidence following Ménière’s disease attacks, a Vestibular Physiotherapist can help improve your balance, mobility and quality of life through an individualised rehabilitation program.