Meniere's disease is an inner ear problem that can cause dizzy spells, also called vertigo, and hearing loss. Most of the time, Meniere's disease affects only one ear.
If the dizziness or vertigo comes in episodes that last for minutes to hours, it could be due to vestibular migraine (usually without hearing symptoms) or Menière's disease (usually with hearing symptoms), but it also can be the result of a pre-stroke (transient ischemic attack, or TIA).
Although less common, vertigo may be a sign that something serious is happening. More severe conditions to watch for include: Head injury. Brain tumors.
Though vertigo is a symptom of Meniere's disease, the chronic condition can have multiple other side effects and tends to get progressively worse. On the other hand, vertigo does not necessarily link with a more severe condition, such as Meniere's disease.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) testing.
This test uses sound to make parts of the inner ear active. It records how well muscles react to that sound. It may show common changes in the affected ears of people with Meniere's disease.
A test called an electronystagmogram (ENG), which measures your eye movements. This can help the doctor find where the problem is that's causing vertigo. Imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan of the head. These tests can find out if the symptoms are caused by a brain problem.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
The MRI scan will not confirm a diagnosis of Ménière's disease, nor will it show which ear is affected or how severe the condition is. During initial investigation it is important to exclude many serious conditions which can cause vertigo or unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common type of vertigo seen by the otolaryngologist; however, intracranial tumors can mimic benign paroxysmal positional vertigo in their presentation.
Peripheral vertigo may be caused by: Benign positional vertigo (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV) Certain medicines, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, cisplatin, diuretics, or salicylates, which are toxic to the inner ear structures. Injury (such as head injury)
What is Autoimmune Vertigo? In autoimmune vertigo, the immune system malfunctions and attacks just the ear, the ear and some other body part like the eye, or the entire body. Damage to the inner ear structures can result in vertigo and/or hearing impairment.
Sudden increases in pressure make the ear feel stopped up and cause vertigo. Most cases of Meniere's disease have no known cause. In some cases, it can be associated with head trauma or middle or inner ear infections. Allergies and autoimmune disorders may also bring about the onset of this condition.
One of the biggest changes for many people diagnosed with Meniere's disease is that driving is not recommended for anyone prone to Meniere's attacks.
Unfortunately, Meniere's is a chronic, incurable disorder of the inner ear. However, there are a range of medical interventions that can help manage the condition.
Fortunately, Meniere's disease is rare. Also, it does not limit your life expectancy. Although it can impact the quality of your life. There are approximately 615,000 people in the United States who have the disorder.
Left untreated, Ménière's disease symptoms get worse over time and may cause permanent hearing loss and ongoing balance issues. Ménière's disease is typically treated with medication to reduce symptoms.
Findings: During the study period, 153 Menière's attacks were reported. Twenty-four (52%) of the 46 patients reported attacks. Twelve of the 153 (8%) attacks occurred within 3 hours after exposure to emotional stress.
Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Ménière's disease usually affects only one ear.
An ENT specialist can conduct an examination to diagnose Meniere's disease, which assesses the level of hearing loss, function of the inner ear, and balance.
Endolymphatic sac tumor is a rare entity which may masquerade as a classical case of Meniere's syndrome, wherein the triad of symptoms (as in endolymphatic hydrops) may not be alleviated by the usual treatment protocols. Tracing the aetiology of these symptoms, remains the most crucial factor in treating such patients.
MRI is preferred over CT due to its superiority in visualizing the posterior fossa, which is often the location for a central etiology of vertigo. MRI will rule out acute and chronic ischemic disease, cerebellopontine lesions such as vestibular schwannomas and meningiomas, as well as multiple sclerosis.
Other Tests for Vertigo
Head Impulse Test: This test evaluates the partnership between your eyes and inner ears. In this simple test, your doctor will quickly rotate your head to assess your reflex functions. Romberg Test: This is another straightforward test that can help determine the cause of a case of vertigo.