Key Points about Micropressure Therapy
- Micropressure therapy is an effective, noninvasive treatment to relieve vertigo associated with Meniere’s disease.
- While there is not a cure for Meniere’s disease, therapy can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Your doctor will recommend micropressure therapy after more conservative therapies have failed but before surgery.
- The device used for micropressure therapy is portable and easy to use.
- Therapy typically consists of three - five-minute treatments per day.
- Most patients find symptom relief from micropressure therapy.
Overview
Micropressure therapy, also known as positive pressure therapy, is a simple treatment option for Meniere’s disease. Your doctor will try micropressure therapy before more invasive treatments such as surgery.
Meniere’s disease is an ENT condition that affects hearing and balance, which progressively gets worse over time. There is not a cure for Meniere’s disease, but symptoms can be managed with therapy.
During micropressure therapy, your doctor will insert a small tube into the middle ear to blow air into the inner ear.
The goal of therapy is to relieve your symptoms associated with Meniere’s disease and prevent the need for more invasive surgery.
Candidates for micropressure therapy
Micropressure therapy is typically used as a second level therapy after medical management, such as eating a low salt diet and taking medications, has failed.
Your doctor will try micropressure therapy before moving to more aggressive treatments, such as surgery.
Preparing for micropressure therapy
In preparation for micro pressure therapy, your doctor will place a ventilation tube in your eardrum.
Expectations during micropressure therapy
Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is customized for you. Treatments are generally three times a day for five minutes each. The micro pressure device is small, portable, and easy to use. You can perform treatments at home, work, or any other location that is convenient for you.
The micro pressure pulses will displace any excess endolymph. This action will help normalize the pressure in the inner ear and, as a result, relieve your vertigo symptoms.
You do not need to take any time away from work to undergo micropressure therapy.
Schedule regular follow-up doctor visits to monitor your ventilation tube. During the visit, your doctor will determine how you are responding to treatment.
It is important to closely follow the treatment schedule your doctor develops for you. If you do not follow the schedule, and the therapy fails, you will need surgery.
Most patients experience a reduction in the frequency and intensity of vertigo attacks after micropressure therapy.