ear, nose, and throat disorders
Meniere Disease
Introduction
Meniere disease is a disorder characterized by recurring attacks of disabling vertigo (a false sensation of moving or spinning), nausea, fluctuating hearing loss (in the lower frequencies), and noise in the ear (tinnitus). Symptoms include sudden, unprovoked attacks of severe, disabling vertigo, nausea, and vomiting, usually with a sensation of pressure in the ear and hearing loss. Tests include hearing tests and sometimes magnetic resonance imaging. A low-salt diet and a diuretic may lower the severity and frequency of attacks. Medications such asmeclizineorlorazepammay help relieve vertigo symptoms but will not prevent attacks. Meniere disease is thought to be caused by an excess amount of the fluid that is normally present in the inner ear (see also Overview of the Inner Ear .) Fluid in the ear is held in a pouch-like structure called the endolymphatic sac. This fluid is continually being secreted and reabsorbed, maintaining a constant amount. Either an increase in production of inner ear fluid or a decrease in its reabsorption results in excess fluid. Why either happens is not known. This disease typically occurs in people between the ages of 20 and 50 years. 