Meniere’s disease

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Ear anatomy

Tympanic membrane

Hydrops; Endolymphatic hydrops

• Abnormal sensation of movement of self or the environment (vertigo)
  • May be episodic
  • Lasts from minutes to more than 8 hours
  • Worse with sudden movement
• Dizziness
• Hearing loss in one ear
  • Low frequency noises lost first
  • Extent of hearing loss may change
• Noises or ringing in one ear (tinnitus)
• Nausea, vomiting
• Sweating (may be profuse)
• Uncontrollable eye movements

A neurologic examination may show an abnormality of cranial nerve VIII that may include abnormalities of hearing, balance, or eye movement.

Tests to distinguish Meniere's disease from other causes of vertigo may include:

• Head CT scan or head MRI scan
• Caloric stimulation (tests reflexes of the eyes) -- abnormal results indicate Meniere's disease
• Evoked potential studies (BAER)
• Electronystagmography
• Audiology/audiometry

Review Date: 08/07/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.