Ménière's disease Rob Hicks In Ménière's disease the amount of fluid in the inner ear increases intermittently. This disturbs the hearing and balance mechanisms, usually affecting only one ear. The cause is unknown.

In this article

What are the symptoms? Who's affected?

What's the treatment? Advice and support

Ménière's disease gives rise to three main symptoms - vertigo, tinnitus and, in time, increasing deafness. Attacks are sudden and may last minutes or several hours and cause severe dizziness and loss of balance.

People also experience nausea and vomiting, a feeling of pressure or pain in the affected ear, and abnormal jerky eye movements.

Tinnitus may be constantly present or only occur during an attack. Between attacks hearing may improve but it worsens with repeated attacks. Attacks become less frequent with time.

Ménière's disease is most common between the ages of 20 and 60, and affects men and women equally. The condition mostly affects Caucasians and can run in families. It's not possible to prevent the disease.

During an attack lying still and avoiding noise, by wearing earplugs for example, can help. Medication can be prescribed to relieve nausea and vertigo during an attack.

Antihistamines or diuretics may be prescribed to reduce the frequency of attacks. Avoiding stress, practising relaxation and a low-salt diet may also help.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended as a last resort to cure the vertigo. This may be achieved by removing some of the bones that surround the inner ear to reduce swelling, or by destroying balance receptors.

The Ménière's Society
Helpline: 0845 120 2975
Email: info@menieres.org.uk
Website: www.menieres.co.uk

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in May 2008