Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How is Meniere's disease diagnosed?

Meniere's disease is usually diagnosed after an attack has passed by asking questions about symptoms and a physical exam. There is no specific test available, so a diagnosis may be made over time, once a pattern of symptoms has developed.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is a condition of the inner ear that causes attacks of dizziness, loss of balance, unusual noises in the ears and hearing loss. It is caused by a build-up of fluid and pressure in the inner ear. Damage caused by this increase in pressure is …

What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is characterized by attacks of dizziness, loss of balance, unusual noises in the ears and hearing loss. Additional symptoms may include difficulty understanding speech, a feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ears and …

What causes Meniere's disease?

In Meniere's disease, a build-up of fluid in the inner ear causes the pressure to rise. Damage caused by this increase in pressure is thought to disrupt the flow of hearing and balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. This is what causes the symptoms …

Who gets Meniere's disease?

Anyone can develop Meniere's disease, but it is most likely to occur in adults between 40 and 60 years of age. It is rare in children and slightly more common in women than men.

How is Meniere's disease treated?

While there is no cure for Meniere's disease, it is often successfully controlled with lifestyle changes, medications, surgery or a medical device for the ear. However, it is a condition that affects everyone differently. In some people, attacks may …

What can be done at home to treat Meniere's disease?

At the first signs of an attack, taking medications early and getting into a safe and comfortable position can help to manage symptoms. In those who experience regular or severe attacks, it is usually best to avoid driving, swimming or …

Can Meniere's disease be prevented?

Meniere's disease cannot be prevented from occurring in the first place. However, treating symptoms early and taking medications as prescribed by your doctor can help to prevent or reduce attacks.

What is the outlook for Meniere's disease?

Meniere's disease is different from person to person. It may progress slowly in some, but quickly in others. Sometimes, it may also go into remission for years or get better on its own. In these cases, some hearing loss or tinnitus may remain …

What factors can trigger Meniere's disease?

It is not clear what causes the build-up of fluid within the inner ear in the first place. However, trigger factors may include a viral infection, migraine, allergy or certain medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common disorder of the inner ear. It is also known as postural vertigo or positional vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is characterised by intense but brief periods of vertigo that happen when moving the head, such as when rising from the bed in the morning. It appears as dizziness, nausea and unsteadiness. It is estimated to affect 2.4%…
Diseases & conditions

Vertigo

Vertigo is a term used to describe feelings of spinning, unsteadiness or dizziness in the head. It is most often caused by a problem with the inner ear, which controls balance. Treatment can include simple procedures, medication and balance exercises.…
Diseases & conditions

Hearing loss

Hearing loss is the partial or complete loss of hearing in either one or both ears. This can occur suddenly in some cases, but typically it tends to develop gradually. Noise exposure accumulates over a lifetime, such that repeated exposure to loud noises increases the level of hearing loss experienced.…
Diseases & conditions

Motion sickness

Motion sickness describes the feelings of dizziness and nausea that occur when you’re travelling in a moving vehicle. Your eyes may see the landscape passing by at high speed, while the balance sensors in your inner ear are sensing that you’re sitting still. This confusing information is felt as motion sickness.…
Diseases & conditions

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is often thought of as a ringing in the ears, but it describes any abnormal noise that seems to be coming from inside the ears or head. In addition to ringing noises, it may involve humming, whistling, buzzing, hissing or roaring sounds. Tinnitus is a symptom of another medical issue, rather than being a condition on its own. For example, it can result from a build-up of earwax, a middle …
Diseases & conditions

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)

Supraventricular tachycardia is an abnormally rapid heart rhythm that can be in excess of 200 beats per minute. It is caused by an interruption to the heart’s normal electrical circuit. Treatment options aim to restore this electrical activity.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 16 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Votes: 635 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

×

Content goes in here.