Also known as peripheral vestibular, this is a potentially disabling disorder theorized to be triggered by an excess buildup in the volume of endolymphatic fluid (endolyphatic hydrops) inside the inner ear.
Diet may play a role in reducing frequency of these attacks.
Patients report a sudden, spontaneous onset of severe vertigo with or without nausea and vomiting that lasts for hours. This attack may have accompanying imbalance, ear fullness, tinnitus (rushing, roaring or ringing), and hearing loss.
Meniere’s disease usually affects one ear but can affect both ears.
Patients who truly have this disorder may have recurrent attacks. This disorder is associated with fluctuating hearing loss detectable on audiogram. Electrocochleography (ECOG) is useful to rule out Meniere’s disease.
Patients may present with true Meniere’s disease or Meniere’s syndrome which has other causes.
In this author’s experience, the diagnosis of Meniere’s disease is inappropriately assigned to many patients whose symptoms are not consistent with a true presentation of this vestibular pathology. Therefore, this author still recommends a vestibular assessment for those patients who have been assigned with the diagnosis of Meniere’s disease by a physician.
Management may include diet, medications, medical device implantation, or ear surgery.
Disclaimer
This blog is provided for informational purposes only. The content and any comments by Dr. Kim Bell, DPT are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The details of any case mentioned in this post represent a typical patient that Dr. Bell might see and do not describe the circumstances of a specific individual.
