What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear that results from a disturbance in fluid balance. This causes excess pressure and rupture of membranes in the inner ear, leading to rotary vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus. As a result, the quality of life of those affected is usually very severely impaired.

Symptoms
Typical symptoms of Meniere’s disease include dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss and a feeling of ear congestion. Affected individuals may suffer from violent attacks of vertigo that can last from several hours to days. The dizziness may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and often leads to a reduction in quality of life. Another accompanying symptom is tinnitus. In advanced stages of the disease, hearing loss may also occur.

Causes
The exact causes of Meniere’s disease are still unknown. However, it is suspected that changes in the immune system, genetic factors or circulatory disorders in the inner ear may play a role. Overproduction or insufficient reabsorption of inner ear fluid (endolymph) is also discussed as a possible cause.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is usually made through a combination of history, physical examination and hearing tests. An examination of the vestibular organ may also be performed to diagnose the vertigo and rule out other causes.

Treatment options
There are various therapies available to alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Distribution
Meniere’s disease is rare and occurs in 0.01% of the population, mostly between the ages of 45 and 60. Women are affected more frequently than men.