A management plan: Stage 3
Further treatments include:
- Surgery for vertigo
- Gentamicin therapy
- Tinnitus retraining therapy
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Further audiological advice
Referral to specialists may be necessary. This could be a further ENT specialist for your vertigo: an audiologist for detailed hearing assessment and tinnitus retraining therapy: a psychologist or psychotherapist to help with coping strategies and stress management or a hearing therapist for professional support. Only 1 out of 5 people with MD will need to be referred for further advice for vertigo. Surgical treatments and gentamicin therapy need careful consideration and assessment of the risks and benefits—the time for a full and frank discussion with the specialist.
It is important to review your symptoms and problems regularly. Ménière's disease is a fluctuating, progressive illness and your life situation will change. The plan enables you to have some control over your life, to be the co-ordinator of your own care, to use the services and treatment offered sensibly, and to look for others when you need them.
The aim is always for the best quality of life.
I have moved round this plan several times in the last few years. I have times with difficult, uncontrolled symptoms and times when the general circumstances of my life have made coping with even minor symptoms very difficult. My most serious problem has always been vertigo, and as important, communicating my needs to my family and friends. I am very bad at asking for help and saying "NO". I have found counselling very helpful in working with me on ways to take care of myself and stopping me rushing into every treatment looking for the elusive "cure". You can live well with Ménière's. I hope this article will help some of you on the way.
Finally, click here for a flow chart detailing each stage.