There is no cure for Ménière's disease. Medical and behavioral therapy, however, are often helpful in managing its symptoms. Although many operations have been developed to reverse the disease process, their value has been difficult to establish. And, unfortunately, all operations on the ear carry a risk of hearing loss.

The most commonly performed surgical treatment for Ménière's disease is the insertion of a shunt, a tiny silicone tube that is positioned in the inner ear to drain off excess fluid.

In another more reliable operation, a vestibular neurectomy, the vestibular nerve which serves balance is severed so that it no longer sends distorted messages to the brain. But the balance nerve is very close to the hearing and facial nerves. Thus, the risk of affecting a patient's hearing or facial muscle control increases with this type of surgical treatment. Also, older patients often have difficulty recovering from this type of surgery.

A labyrinthectomy, the removal of the membranous labyrinth, is an irreversible procedure that is often successful in eliminating the dizziness associated with Ménière's disease. This procedure, however, results in a total loss of hearing in the operated ear—an important consideration since the second ear may one day be affected. Also, labyrinthectomies themselves may result in other balance problems.

Some physicians recommend a change of diet to help control Ménière's symptoms. Eliminating caffeine, alcohol and salt may relieve the frequency and intensity of attacks in some people. Eliminating tobacco use and reducing stress levels may lessen the severity of the symptoms. And medications that either control allergies, reduce fluid retention or improve blood circulation in the inner ear may also help.

• What is Ménière's disease?
• What causes Ménière's disease?
• What are the symptoms of Ménière's disease?
• How is Ménière's disease diagnosed?
• Where can I get additional information?