Meniere Disease

Meniere's Disease
(Meniere Disease)

Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow

Medical Author: Jerry Balentine, DO, FACEP
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

• What is Meniere's disease?
• What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?
• How is Meniere's disease diagnosed?
• How can Meniere's disease be treated?
• Meniere's Disease At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Meniere Disease - Symptoms Experienced and Effective Treatments

What is Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the flow of fluids of the inner ear. Although the cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, it probably results from an abnormality in the way fluid of the inner ear is regulated. In most cases only one ear is involved, but both ears may be affected in about 10% to 20% of patients. Meniere's disease typically starts between the ages of 20 and 50 years of age (although it has been reported in nearly all age groups). Men and women are equally affected. The symptoms may be only a minor nuisance, or can become disabling, especially if the attacks of vertigo are severe, frequent, and occur without warning. Meniere's disease is also called idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops.

What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?

The symptoms of Meniere's disease typically include at least several of the following:

• Episodic rotational vertigo: Attacks of a spinning sensation accompanied by disequilibrium (an off-balanced sensation), nausea, and sometimes vomiting. This is usually the most troublesome symptom. The vertigo usually last 20 minutes to two hours or even longer. During attacks, patients are very disabled, and sleepiness may follow. An off-balanced sensation may last for several days.
  
  
• Tinnitus: A roaring, buzzing, machine-like, or ringing sound in the ear. It may be episodic with an attack of vertigo or it may be constant. Usually the tinnitus gets worse or will appear just before the onset of the vertigo.
  
  
• Hearing loss: It may be intermittent early in the onset of the disease, but overtime it may become a fixed hearing loss. It may involve all frequencies, but most commonly occurs in the lower frequencies. Loud sounds may be uncomfortable and appear distorted in the affected ear.
  
  
• Ear fullness: Usually this full feeling occurs just before the onset of an attack of vertigo.

Meniere Disease - Symptoms Experienced and Effective Treatments

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