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OVERVIEW

What is Meniere’s disease?

Meniere’s disease is a problem with your inner ear. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it may be related to a build-up of fluid in the inner ear. Although it can be troublesome, Meniere’s disease is not contagious, and it isn’t fatal.

Meniere’s disease is a chronic (ongoing) problem. People who have the condition don’t have symptoms all the time. When symptoms occur, it’s called an “attack.” Attacks may happen often, or only sometimes. Attacks may last from 20 minutes to 2 hours or longer. Meniere’s disease usually occurs in only one ear.  But some people who have the disease have problems in both ears.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms during an attack?

During an attack, symptoms of a Meniere’s disease include dizziness, a feeling of fullness in the ear and tinnitus (a ringing sound in the ear). The dizziness is described as a spinning or whirling feeling. It may cause problems with balance and make you feel unstable while walking. Because of the spinning feeling, some people sweat, feel nauseated and vomit during an attack. You may also notice some hearing loss, especially with sounds that have a low tone.

CAUSES

What causes Meniere’s disease?

Healthcare providers don’t know exactly what causes Meniere’s Disease. They believe it is related to having extra fluid in the inner ear. This extra fluid could be caused by several factors including allergies, viral infections, genetics, improper drainage of the middle ear, or more.

This condition can develop at any age but is more common in middle-aged adults.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How does my healthcare provider know if I have Meniere’s disease?

Your healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms. They will ask you to describe what happens when you have an attack. Your healthcare provider will want to rule out other ear problems, so they may do some tests. These tests might include:

• Hearing tests
• Blood tests
• MRI or CT scan (tests that “take pictures” of the inside of your ears and head)
• Special tests that check your balance and how well your ears work.

PREVENTION

Can Meniere’s disease be prevented or avoided?

Because doctors don’t know exactly what causes Meniere’s disease, you may not be able to prevent it. However, you can help control attacks by modifying your lifestyle and diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about treating fluid build-up in your ear.

TREATMENT

What is the treatment for Meniere’s disease?

There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but your healthcare provider can suggest ways to manage your symptoms, including:

• Changing your diet by limiting your salt intake. This will indirectly control the amount of fluid in your inner ear
• A medicine called a diuretic (water pill)
• Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol in your diet
• Quitting smoking and using other tobacco products
• Treating your allergies to reduce the fluid build-up in your ear

Your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine to relieve feelings of dizziness and nausea. These medicines may cause you to feel sleepy.

In serious cases of Meniere’s disease (when attacks can’t be controlled by diet or medicine), surgery may be necessary.

Reducing the number of attacks decreases your chances for progressive hearing loss associated with the disease. This hearing loss is often temporary but can be permanent.

What should I do during an attack?

During an attack, try to lie flat on a surface that doesn’t move, such as the floor. To cope with the dizziness, keep your eyes aimed at an object that doesn’t move. You will be less likely to vomit if you don’t eat or drink much. When your symptoms go away, get up slowly. You may feel very sleepy and want to sleep for several hours after an attack. If you keep vomiting for more than 24 hours and can’t keep down any liquids, contact your healthcare provider.

Living with Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease is often frustrating for people who have it. You may have to change the way you live to control the attacks. You should follow your healthcare provider’s advice about your diet, and about cutting out alcohol, caffeine and smoking. Since stress may cause an attack, you may have to find ways to limit the stress in your life or learn how to deal with stress more effectively.

Let your family, friends and co-workers know about the disease. Tell them how they can help you if you have an attack.