Meniere's disease

Alternative names:

endolymphatic hydrops; hydrops

Symptoms:

• abnormal sensation of movement of self or the environment (vertigo)
  • may be episodic
  • lasting 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
• eye movements, uncontrollable

Signs and tests:

A neurologic examination may show an abnormality of cranial nerve VIII.

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
• EEG, evoked potential studies
• electronystagmography
• audiology/audiometry