Signs and Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s Disease is an autoimmune condition that affects the inner ear.  People with Meniere’s disease symptoms experience episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and a full feeling in the inner ear.  Meniere’s disease is most common for people in their forties and fifties, although it can occur to anyone, even children.  We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of Meniere’s disease below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease include:

• Episodes of vertigo, where the room feels like it is spinning.  These episodes can last up to 2 hours or more, and can cause nausea and vomiting
• Tinnitis, or a low-pitched ringing sound in the ear
• Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
• Hearing loss

These symptoms often occur in clusters, with periods of remission in between.  A typical episode is 20 minutes to 3 hours of vertigo, followed by nausea and vomiting.  Tinnitis and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear can occur before, during and after these symptoms as well.  Although there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, these symptoms can usually be successfully managed.

Diagnosis of Meniere’s Disease

If you have signs and symptoms of Meniere’s disease, the doctor will order tests to help confirm the diagnosis.  Tests include a physical exam and a medical history, a hearing test and balance assessments.  Other tests may be used to rule out conditions that have symptoms similar to Meniere’s disease, such as a brain tumor or multiple sclerosis.

Books for People With Signs and Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease:

Meniere’s Disease Resources

General Patient Resources

• MDIC – Meniere’s Disease Information Center

Extensive information about Meniere’s Disease: symptoms, diagnosis, cause, prognosis, and treatment.

http://www.menieresinfo.com/

• Meniere’s Disease . ca

Comprehensive patient-run site with success stories, newsletters and what helped them with Meniere’s disease.

http://www.menieres-disease.ca/menieres_signs_symptoms.htm

• American Hearing Research Foundation

Founded in 1956 by Dr. George E. Shaumbaugh, Jr., The American Hearing Research Foundation serves two vital roles: to fund significant research in hearing and balance disorders, and to help educate the public.

http://www.american-hearing.org/disorders/menieres-disease/

• MD Junction

A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Meniere’s Disease, together.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/menieres-disease-discussions

• Meniere’s . org

Extensive information about Meniere’s Disease: symptoms, diagnosis, cause, prognosis, and … All copying, including (but not limited to) websites, bulletin boards, forums

http://www.menieres.org/

• Dizziness and Balance . com

Information for patients, health care providers, humanities and researchers.

http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/menieres/menieres.html

Medical Resources

• Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms and treatment of this balance and hearing disorder.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menieres-disease/DS00535

• American Academy of Otolaryngology

Insight into diagnosis and treatment.

http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/menieresDisease.cfm