What is Ménière’s disease?
Ménière’s disease is a long term condition that affects the inner ear. It can affect anyone, but is more common in adults. Usually only one ear will cause symptoms, but the condition can be present in both.
There is currently no cure for Ménière’s, but treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.
What causes Ménière’s disease?
Ménière’s disease is caused by instability in the labyrinth, the part of the ear responsible for controlling balance.
The exact cause of this is unknown, but links have been made to excess fluid in the ears building up due to stress, infections or allergies.
There is a possibility that Ménière’s may run in families and have a genetic link
What are the symptoms of Ménière’s disease?
The symptoms of Ménière’s are sudden and come and go. This can be referred to as a Ménière’s attack.
An attack can last from 20 minutes to several hours and can include any of the following:
- Severe dizziness, or vertigo
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Nausea
- Headaches
After an attack, a person may make a full recovery, but repeated attacks may cause permanent hearing or balance problems.
