What is it?
Meniere's disease is a long-term inner ear condition in which the fluid pressure inside the inner ear rises and falls. It causes attacks of vertigo along with changes in hearing in one ear. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people are able to control it well.
Common symptoms
- Attacks of spinning vertigo lasting from about 20 minutes to several hours
- Fullness or pressure in one ear
- Ringing or roaring sound in the ear (tinnitus)
- Hearing that drops during attacks and may slowly worsen over time
- Nausea and vomiting during attacks
How we diagnose it here
- A detailed history of the attacks
- Audiometry (hearing test) for each ear, repeated over time when needed
- VNG and Head Impulse Test to check the balance function of each ear
- Ruling out other causes; scans are advised only when needed
Tests used: Audiometry (Hearing Test) VNG – Videonystagmography Functional Head Impulse Test
Treatment options
- Diet and lifestyle advice – such as reducing salt, caffeine and stress
- Medicines to reduce attacks and to relieve symptoms during an attack
- Vestibular rehabilitation between attacks
- Hearing support if hearing is affected
- Other procedures are discussed only in selected cases
The right treatment for you is decided by the doctor after examination and tests.
When to seek urgent care
If you have sudden severe dizziness with weakness, slurred speech, chest pain or loss of consciousness, go to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.