Menieres Disease

Question 1

Define:

Answer 1

Recurrent episodes of tinnitus paroxysmal vertigo and unilateral hearing loss

Question 2

Aetiology/risk factors:

Answer 2

• Disturbed homeostasis of endolymph (fluid in the inner ear)
• Due to endolymphatic hydrops (abnormal fluctuations in the endolymph fluid)
• Idiopathic
• Disorders that may cause elevated endolymphatic pressure: metabolic disturbance, hormonal imbalance, trauma, infections

Question 3

Symptoms/signs:

Answer 3

• Recurrent attacks of vertigo lasting >20 mins (+/- nausea and vomiting), fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus (in affected ear)
• Sense of aural fullness
• Loss of balance – falling to one side
• Headaches
• Nausea/vomiting

Question 4

Investigations:

Answer 4

No diagnostic investigations

MRI and EEG etc may be used to exclude other diagnoses.