An important part of the management of vestibular disorders is the ability to understand what the person is experiencing and providing the appropriate care and support.
It can be bewildering for friends, relatives and colleagues as vestibular disorders are not characterised by the usual visible symptoms and medicinal cures of more common complaints. One minute a person looks perfectly healthy and is engaging in 'normal' activities and the next they may be unable to walk, are vomiting and distressed. It is important to understand as much as you can about their vestibular condition. Being informed will assist you to be a good friend or colleague which, in turn, will help the individual affected by a vestibular condition to regain their confidence.
Your life is likely to be disrupted from time to time, plans may have to change suddenly and appointments cancelled without any prior warning. Feelings of frustration and anger are valid and understandable, but it’s important how you express them to the sufferer. Whatever you do, don’t say “Pull yourself together it is all in the mind”. They have a physical condition for which, in terms of Ménière's, there is no known cause or cure. Listen to their fear and anxieties - they are real and understandable because no one can predict when an attack is going to occur. Don’t wrap them up in cotton wool but gently persuade them to take up their usual activities once they have recovered from an attack which can take a couple of days. It is important that the person affected is seen by a specialist experienced in treating vestibular disorders. What is needed most is your love, reassurance, understanding, patience and acceptance to help them manage their condition.
Our information line is also available for family and friends. Please contact us for further information or to talk to a member of our team. You can also download our Information for family, friends and colleagues.
Further information is also available for employers, including our awareness sessions for organisations.