Ménière's disease

Question 1

Define Meniere’s disease

Answer 1

Recurrent episodes of tinnitus, paroxysmal vertigo

and unilateral fluctuating hearing loss

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of Meniere’s disease

Answer 2

Disturbed homeostasis of endolymph (fluid in the inner ear)

Question 3

Recognise the presenting symptoms and signs of Meniere’s disease

Answer 3

Vertigo
Loss of hearing in affected ear
Tinnitus
Loss of balance
Headaches
Nausea/vomiting

Question 4

Identify appropriate investigations for Meniere’s disease

Answer 4

There is NO SPECIFIC TEST that will confirm the diagnosis

Some other investigations (e.g. MRI, electrocochleography) may be used to exclude other causes of such symptom