Friday, May 16, 2008 - 11:24PM EST

Quality of Life in Meniere's Disease

Nutritional and Lifestyle Interventions for Meniere's Disease

It is important for the patient with Meniere's disease to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating regular meals, getting enough rest, and exercising. The most common dietary modification recommended by doctors to reduce or prevent vertigo attacks is salt restriction. This works for many patients with Meniere's disease though reasons for its effectiveness are not clear. Some postulate that the benefit comes from an overall systemic change that occurs in the absence of salt, rather than a localized reduction of sodium in the endolymphatic fluid. Some doctors recommend maintaining proper fluid intake in order to further dilute sodium levels in the body.

Other modifications include eliminating or reducing:

  • Caffeine - constricts blood vessels and may reduce blood flow to the ears
  • Alcohol - disturbs balance
  • Tobacco - constricts blood vessels
  • Stress
  • Fatigue

It may be important for patients to also modify their environment to protect themselves in case of an attack of vertigo or dizziness. These include:

  • Home - if a person is unsteady, breakable items should be moved aside. Furniture should be set up so that it is easy for the patient to reach out and grab onto something to prevent a fall.
  • Work - reduce stress wherever possible
  • Car - patients have to evaluate the risks and danger of operating a vehicle if they are prone to unexpected attacks of vertigo. The patient may need to seek alternative modes of transportation.

Many patients with Meniere's disease develop depression over the course of the disease. It is important for these patients to be followed and treated by medical professionals and to receive adequate support services. Good communication between the patient and family reduces stress and enables family members to be supportive. In general, it is beneficial for patients and family/friends to be as well educated as possible about Meniere's disease.