Living with Ménière's disease: can vestibular therapy help your balance between vertigo attacks?

What does vestibular therapy do for Ménière's disease?

Repeated attacks can leave one ear weaker and the brain cautious about movement. Therapy targets that aftermath: gaze stabilization for blurred vision with head turns, habituation for motion and visual sensitivity, and balance training for unsteadiness on uneven ground or in the dark. It is not used during an active attack, when lying still and following your ENT's plan is best.

How do you coordinate care with my ENT?

Diagnosis and medical management of Ménière's disease, including diet changes, medicines, injections or surgery, sit with your ENT. We share objective findings from infrared video goggle and BioSway testing and track how your balance responds between attacks. If a new type of dizziness appears, such as brief spinning with position changes, we test for BPPV, which can occur alongside Ménière's disease.

Can Ménière's disease lead to constant dizziness?

Some people develop persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a constant rocking or swaying that is worse in busy visual environments, after repeated attacks³. It is a treatable change in how the brain processes motion, and it responds to habituation, balance training and, when appropriate, treatment from your physician.

Where can I get Ménière's disease balance therapy near Alpharetta or Cumming?

We see patients with Ménière's disease from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Cumming and Suwanee in 60-minute, one-on-one visits. Bring your hearing test results and ENT notes if you have them, and we will build a plan around your attack pattern.

Where can I get help in Alpharetta, Cumming and nearby?

Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPS and our team of physical therapists see patients from Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Roswell, Cumming, Suwanee, Sugar Hill, Buford, Duluth and Forsyth County at two North Atlanta clinics. Every visit is 60 minutes, one-on-one, and urgent appointments are available within 48 hours. We are in-network with Traditional Medicare, BCBS / Anthem and Tricare, and offer a $129 rate per visit for self-pay and out-of-network plans. Not sure where to start? Take the free symptom self-check, or visit our Alpharetta clinic or Cumming clinic page.

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References

1. Lopez-Escamez JA, et al. Diagnostic criteria for Menière's disease. Journal of Vestibular Research. 2015.
2. Basura GJ, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Ménière's Disease. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 2020.
3. Staab JP, et al. Diagnostic criteria for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD). Journal of Vestibular Research. 2017.

Answered by Dr. Manan Patel, PT, DPT, TPSDoctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Vestibular Specialist and one of the few certified Therapeutic Pain Specialists in North Atlanta, with 15+ years of outpatient care. About Dr. Patel

This answer is general education, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination. If you have new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor. Call 911 for sudden severe dizziness with trouble speaking, weakness, numbness, double vision or a severe headache.