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Figure 2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About
Ménière's Disease
Question Answer
What are some of the
treatments for this
condition?
ere is no cure for MD. ere are ways to manage the
condition and help control symptoms. Treatment for
MD falls into the following categories (from least to most
aggressive):
• Diet restrictions: Although not all people get relief with
making changes to their diet, it is important to try and see
if these changes help to decrease symptoms.
▶ Low sodium diet (1500–2300mg daily; specific mg
recommendations based on the American Heart
Association and not a previous specific MD treatment
guideline).
▶ Limit alcohol consumption.
▶ Limit caffeine intake
• Medications may help reduce the symptoms.
▶ Diuretics—medications that remove excess body fluid.
▶ Anti-vertigo medications for acute vertigo symptoms.
▶ Anti-histamines to treat allergies.
▶ Betahistine (histamine analogue to increase vasodilation
to inner ear)
• Non-Invasive therapies
▶ Vestibular Rehabilitation (Physical therapy)
▶ Hearing aids
• Middle ear injections through the ear drum in the affected
ear.
▶ Steroids
▶ Gentamicin
• Surgery
▶ Endolymphatic sac decompression (hearing sparing )
▶ Vestibular nerve section (hearing sparing )
▶ Labyrinthectomy (hearing ablative)
What can I do
to decrease my
symptoms?
To assist with your symptoms, your physician can help you
figure out things that may be making you feel bad including
sodium, alcohol, caffeine, weather, allergies, and stress.
How can MD affect
my quality of life?
MD can change how you feel about the way you live your life.
Your symptoms may make you feel sick and tired, or you may
have a hard time hearing or paying attention. Many times,
when patients are feeling better, they think about how bad
they felt and feel scared. It is important to see your health
care provider regularly, so they can answer questions and help
make you feel better.
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