Meniere's Disease

First recognized by a French physician named Prosper Meniere, Meniere’s Disease is an inner ear disorder, characterized by hearing loss and a lack of balance. Sufferers may suddenly experience vertigo and fall to the ground. The exact cause of Meniere’s Disease is unknown.

What are the Symptoms?

Meniere’s Disease sufferers will often experience dizziness, ringing or other noises in one or both ears, hearing loss, disorientation, heavy sweating, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms may last several minutes or several hours. Sufferers may experience all or just one or two of the symptoms.

How is a Diagnosis Made?

There are no medical tests that confirm a Meniere’s Disease diagnosis. Typically, Meniere’s Disease is diagnosed when other illnesses have been ruled out. In addition to a physical exam, a doctor may perform one or all of the following tests: hearing test, balance test, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, caloric stimulation, which tests eye reflexes, and an electrocochleography, which measures inner ear electrical activity.

Recommended Adult Lifestyle Changes to Reduce the Frequency of Meniere's Disease Episodes

Following a low-sodium diet has been proven to reduce Meniere's Disease episodes. A reduction in caffeine and alcohol intake has helped some patients. Smokers should quit smoking. Sudden head movements should be avoided because they often trigger attacks. Stress has also been shown to trigger episodes, so reducing stress when possible is advised.

Diagnosing and Treating Meniere's Disease

In addition to hearing and balance tests, a physician may request an auditory brain stem response (ABR) test, which is a computerized test of the nerve and brain pathways. After the diagnostic tests are complete, a physician will consider the patient history, overall health and make a diagnosis. If the diagnosis is Meniere’s Disease, the physician will recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe a diuretic and, if nausea and vomiting are severe, prescribe medications to relieve the symptoms.

When is Surgery Recommended?

Most patients do well with prescription medication and lifestyle changes. Surgery is only recommended when less-invasive treatments do not work and the disease has become disabling. The most common surgery is the endolymphatic shunt where the endolymphatic sac is opened and a small shunt, or drain tube, is placed in the opening. This is a low-risk operation that relieves dizziness in 50-60% of patients. Other surgeries that may be considered are vestibular neurectomy and labyrinthectomy. Each has its own risk factors and is only recommended in the most severe cases.

Meniere’s Disease sufferers typically begin experiencing symptoms between the ages of 20 and 50. Both men and women can be affected. Most victims of Meniere’s Disease respond well to treatment and are able to live full lives.