Prevention

In most cases, Ménière's disease cannot be prevented. But some cases of Ménière's disease may be caused by head injuries. Wearing a helmet when bicycling, motorcycle riding, playing baseball, in-line skating, or during other sports activities can protect you from head injuries that could lead to Ménière's disease.

You may be able to reduce the frequency of vertigo attacks by limiting the amount of salt in your diet and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, and stress, which can help reduce stimulation to the inner ear. For more information on reducing salt intake, see:

Ménière's Disease: Eating a Low-Salt Diet.

Ménière's disease may be connected to allergies. Treating allergies with immunotherapy shots and eliminating suspected food allergens may reduce the frequency of attacks.² For more information, see the topics Allergic Rhinitis and Food Allergies.

Home Treatment

The vertigo (spinning sensation) of Ménière's disease may be easier to tolerate if you lie down and hold your head very still during an attack.

Changing your diet may reduce the chance of having another attack of Ménière's disease. Eating a diet low in salt and limiting the use of caffeine and alcohol may reduce the frequency of attacks. But diet changes will not reduce the intensity or duration of a vertigo attack that has already begun. For more information, see:

Ménière's Disease: Eating a Low-Salt Diet.

Doing balance exercises and taking safety precautions for attacks of vertigo may help. For more information, see:

Vertigo: Staying Safe When You Have Balance Problems.

Vertigo: Balance Exercises.