Meniere's disease
What is Meniere's disease?
Meniere's disease is a rare disorder of the inner ear that causes dizziness, vertigo and balance problems. There is no cure, but the symptoms can be managed.
People with Meniere’s disease suffer attacks during which they experience severe vertigo (a spinning sensation), balance problems, nausea and vomiting. Attacks usually last between 2 and 4 hours and leave the person feeling exhausted.
Some people have several attacks of Meniere’s disease in a short period of time, while other people only have an attack every few months or years.
In most people with Meniere’s disease, the condition is present in just one ear although it often leads to progressive hearing loss in that ear.
What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?
Symptoms of Meniere’s disease vary from person to person. During an attack, you might experience early symptoms such as:
- losing your balance
- dizziness
- feeling lightheaded
- headache
- a feeling of pressure in the ear
- hearing loss
- sensitivity to sound
- a general feeling of uneasiness
These symptoms then progress to:
- vertigo (a feeling of spinning, dizziness, feeling sick, or suddenly falling to the ground)
- tinnitus (buzzing, humming, grinding, hissing or whistling in your ear)
In the early stages of Meniere’s disease, people generally have sudden, unpredictable attacks of vertigo, along with nausea, vomiting and dizziness. They might lose some hearing, their ear may feel blocked and they might be sensitive to sound.
The attacks may become less severe but the tinnitus and hearing loss may become worse, even in between attacks.
During the later stages of Meniere’s disease, the attacks can become less frequent or stop altogether. However, the person may continue to have balance problems, hearing loss and tinnitus.
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What causes Meniere's disease?
Meniere’s disease is caused by the abnormal build-up of fluid in the inner ear. This affects the cells that are responsible for balance and hearing.
We do not know why this build-up occurs although some cases include a problem with pressure inside the ear, or a chemical imbalance in the fluids found there.
Meniere’s disease is most common in people in their 40s and 50s, although it can appear at any age. Some women have found symptoms are worse before their period, and other people link their attacks to stress.
How is Meniere's disease diagnosed?
If you think you are experiencing the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, you should see your doctor. They will examine you, ask about your symptoms and may refer you for a hearing test or brain scan.
How is Meniere's disease managed?
There is no cure for Meniere’s disease. Treatments aim to control the symptoms.
If you are diagnosed with the condition, you might be given medicines (known as diuretics) to reduce the fluid in your body and take pressure off the inner year so you have fewer attacks.
During an attack, you can use medicine to stop you from vomiting or feeling nauseous, to control vertigo and to reduce anxiety. Sometimes steroids or antihistamines can help.
If you experience severe symptoms with Meniere’s disease or frequent attacks, your doctor may suggest referral to an ear, nose and throat surgeon. Some people have surgery to cut the nerve responsible for balance or to drain fluid from the inner ear.
If you experience hearing loss, a hearing aid may help.
Living with Meniere's disease
If you have Meniere's disease, you can help to prevent attacks by changing your diet to reduce fluid retention. You should restrict how much salt you consume as this affects the level of fluid in your body. It’s also recommended that you avoid caffeine, chocolate, alcohol and nicotine. Your healthcare professional may advise you to take nutritional supplements such as ginko biloba, ginger or lipoflavinoids, a supplement found in lemons.
Because Meniere’s disease is unpredictable and can affect your balance and hearing, you may have to change some of your daily activities. You may need to be careful when climbing ladders, swimming or operating heavy machinery. Ask your doctor about driving; you may need to inform your state road traffic authority.
If your attacks are triggered by stress or if you are feeling anxious, join a support group or talk to your doctor about counselling.
Resources and support
For more information, support and resources, visit the following websites:
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Last reviewed: March 2020
