Meniere’s Disease

What is Ménière’s Disease?

Ménière’s disease is a disease that attacks the inner ear which is responsible for our hearing and balance. The exact cause of Ménière’s is unknown, but some research believe it can develop as a result of migraine headaches, viral infections, allergies, autoimmune reactions, or genetics .Although the exact cause is not known, the disease is thought to be the result of an accumulation of excessive fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear. This excessive accumulation of fluid disrupts function of the inner ear and can result in severe dizziness, vertigo (room spinning), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss or fullness of the ear. The severity and frequency of these symptoms can vary from person to person, and flare-ups may be unpredictable, which can make daily activities challenging. Ménière’s disease is commonly diagnosed and treated by an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor)

Treatment

Although there is not a cure for Ménière’s disease, there are a variety of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms. Consult with your doctor prior to making any significant changes in your daily routine.

1. Dietary and behavioral changes: limiting salt intake and limiting fluid consumption
2. Medications: prescription drugs to relieve dizziness and decrease the frequency/intensity
3. Injections: antibiotics to decrease vertigo
4. Surgery: last resort when all other treatment options have not improved symptoms
5. Vestibular rehabilitation/ physical therapy (see below)

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical Therapy can play a role in managing the symptoms associated with Ménière’s disease, specifically controlling dizziness and improving balance. Through uniquely tailored exercises and treatments, physical therapy can reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes, improve stability, and overall improve quality of life. Below are more ways that your physical therapist can help.

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): This is a specialized form of physical therapy that involves exercises to help the brain adapt to the changes in the inner ear and restore normal balance function. Specifically, VRT can be effective in treating vertigo. Some of the exercises include gaze stabilization exercises that help the eyes and inner ear communicate more effectively thus improving focus and stability during movement, balance training, and habituation exercises that are designed to reduce the sensitivity of the inner ear to movements or positions that provoke vertigo.
2. Strengthening and Posture Re-Education: In addition to VRT, your therapist may select exercises to improve overall physical fitness. This can help patients manage fatigue, improve posture, and prevent falls.
3. Education and Self- Management Strategies: Physical therapists can also educate patients on lifestyle changes and self-management techniques to help minimize the impact of Meniere’s disease. This may include tips on positioning and movement, diet and fluid intake, and stress management

Conclusion

Physical therapy can help individuals with Meniere’s disease regain control over their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life by decreasing vertigo and balance issues. This article provides general information on Meniere’s disease and physical therapy. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific situation. Call one of our Fort Wayne Physical Therapy Clinics at ProTailored Physical Therapy today at (260) 739-0300 to schedule your appointment to be seen by one of our great specialists!

Morrow, M. (2019). Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: A Review of the Literature. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 35(6), 545-552.