Meniere's Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What is Meniere’s Disease?

Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear caused by a build-up of fluid called endolymph. Imagine your ear is like a tiny boat with too much water in it. In simpler words, Meniere's disease indicates too much fluid in the inner ear. This can make you feel dizzy, lose your hearing, and feel like there's constant pressure in your ear.

Types

There are two distinct types of Meniere’s disease- definite and probable. The condition varies in severity from person to person where some may experience mild episodes with long periods of remission, while others may face frequent, severe attacks.

Those with Definite Meniere’s Disease have 2 or more spontaneous episodes of vertigo, where each episode lasts 20 minutes to 12 hours. On the other hand, individuals with Probable Meniere's Disease experience 2 or more episodes of vertigo/dizziness; an episode lasts between 20 minutes and 24 hours. In both forms, there are fluctuating aural symptoms, like tinnitus, in the affected ear.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Meniere’s disease occur in episodes, which may include the following —

• Vertigo:

A sensation of spinning or dizziness that can be so severe it causes a fall.

• Hearing loss:

Difficulty hearing, especially low-pitched sounds. With time, the hearing loss becomes permanent.

• Tinnitus:

One experiences ringing or buzzing noises in the affected ear.

• Ear fullness:

There is a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.

Nausea and vomiting are a few symptoms one may experience due to the severity of vertigo.

Causes

The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but several factors may contribute to the build-up of endolymph in the inner ear. These are:

• Allergies or infections that affect the inner ear

• Head injuries or damage to the ear

• Migraines

• Genetics

• Experts also suggest that problems with fluid drainage or immune system responses could play a role.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing Meniere’s disease. These are —

• Age:

The disease typically affects people between 40 and 60.

• Sex:

A slight prevalence in people assigned female at birth (AFAB)

• Family history:

Having close relatives with the condition may increase the risk.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a thorough physical and neurological examination. Tests that may help confirm Meniere’s disease include:

• Hearing tests to assess any loss of hearing

• Vestibular tests to check balance functions

• Doctors might also suggest an MRI to check that the condition is not something else, like a tumour

Treatment

While Meniere’s disease has no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms, like —

• Medications

Diuretics to reduce fluid, anti-nausea drugs for vertigo, and steroids to control inflammation

• Lifestyle changes

A low-sodium diet, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and stress management

• Therapies

Vestibular rehabilitation and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for coping with anxiety and vertigo

• Surgery

In extreme cases, surgical options include draining the excess fluid or severing the vestibular nerve.

FAQs

1. Can Meniere’s disease cause permanent hearing loss?

Yes, if untreated, Meniere’s disease can lead to permanent hearing loss.

2. Can stress trigger a Meniere’s episode?

Yes, stress and lack of rest are common triggers for Meniere’s disease symptoms.