Cure For Meniere's Disease
Presently, there is no known cure for Menieres disease since its etiology is also unknown. There is however several ways to help the patient cope with his condition and manage symptoms. Before determining the cure for menieres disease it is important to first have a proper diagnosis. The four symptoms which are vertigo, tinnitus, progressive hearing loss and aural fullness must be present and there could not be any medical reason found to support why the patient has these symptoms for it to be concluded as symptoms of menieres disease.
During an attack, a patient must lie down a firm surface and remain motionless as possible keeping his eyes open and fixed to an object that is stationary. Immediate intake of water must be avoided because this is likely to cause vomiting. The patient must stay in this position until the spinning passes away, and must get up slowly. After this, the patient will most likely be exhausted and needs to sleep for several hours.
There are cases however when the patient is still unable to take in fluids even after 24 hours. In this case, a doctor can prescribe anti emetics and vestibular depressants. Rest is very important during severe attacks and there must be a gradual increase in a person's activity. Hazardous activities must be avoided also with bright lights, reading, or watching TV coz this will only worsen the symptoms.
There are medications that are commonly used between attacks. Diuretics are used to address the water retention problem. Vestibular suppressants to address the vestibular disorder and anti emetics are the usual drug treatments for vertigo. Commonly used vestibular suppressants are anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, and antihistamines. Anticholinergics helps increase motion tolerance. These are however ineffective if administered after the symptoms have appeared.
Its leading side effects are dilated pupils, dry mouth and sedation. Benzodiazepines suppress the vestibular response. It is used in small doses. Its side effects are increased risk of falling, addiction, impaired vestibular compensation, and impaired memory. Keeping the dosage low can lessen addiction. Antihistamines prevent motion sickness and reduce the seriousness of symptoms even if it is taken after the onset of symptoms.
Some patients have reportedly been cured permanently from menieres disease symptoms but there are some who continuously suffer for years. They have tried all the available medical treatments but get little or no lasting relief. So in order to relieve them of the symptoms, surgery on the endolymphatic sac, labyrinth or vestibular nerve may be performed. This is mainly focused on relieving the pressure in the endolymhatic sac. The most common surgical intervention for menieres is the insertion of a shunt that is positioned in the inner ear to drain off fluid.
Certain lifestyle changes are also recommended to aid in the cure of menieres disease symptoms. A low salt diet to reduce fluid retention is first on the list. Avoidance of exposure to stress greatly helps. Avoiding abrupt movements can help minimize symptoms. Alcohol and cigarette abstention is also highly recommended.
