Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. These unpredictable episodes can be frightening and disruptive, often leaving you feeling exhausted, unsteady, and anxious about when the next one will hit. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, Meniere’s is linked to fluid buildup in the inner ear that affects both hearing and balance.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we work with individuals who are managing Meniere’s disease to improve stability, reduce dizziness, and regain control over their lives. Through personalized vestibular therapy, we help you build strategies that make day-to-day movement more predictable and safe—so you can feel more confident, even between flare-ups.
Affected Area
Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear, particularly the endolymphatic system within the labyrinth. It impacts both the cochlea (hearing) and vestibular structures (balance), and over time can influence eye movement coordination, postural control, and central nervous system compensation for imbalanced signals.
Symptoms
Symptoms may come and go, with sudden attacks that include intense vertigo, nausea, vomiting, a sensation of fullness in the ear, fluctuating hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. Episodes can last from 20 minutes to several hours, and some individuals may experience lingering dizziness or imbalance between attacks.
Treatments
While physical therapy cannot prevent Meniere’s episodes, it can significantly improve function, balance, and quality of life between attacks. At Sparq PT, we design a treatment plan that helps your brain and body adapt to inner ear dysfunction. This may include:
Balance training to improve steadiness and reduce fall risk
Gaze stabilization exercises to support visual focus during movement
Postural control drills to help with walking, turning, and navigating busy environments
Functional movement strategies to stay safe and confident during daily tasks
Patient education to manage symptoms and prepare for flare-ups
Consistent therapy can enhance your resilience between episodes and reduce the overall impact of Meniere’s on your daily life.