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Meniere's Disease

Episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, endolymphatic hydrops

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Meniere's Disease?

Meniere's disease affects 50 to 200 per 100,000 people, predominantly between ages 40 and 60. The pathophysiology involves excessive accumulation of endolymph in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops), causing membrane distention and disturbed cochlear and vestibular function. Etiology may involve viral infection, autoimmune mechanisms, or genetic predisposition.

Diagnosis follows AAO-HNS criteria requiring 2 or more spontaneous vertigo episodes lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours, audiometrically documented low to mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, fluctuating aural symptoms, and exclusion of other causes. Vestibular testing and gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the inner ear help confirm hydrops in atypical cases.

Treatment is staged. Lifestyle measures include low salt diet (under 2 grams sodium daily), caffeine and alcohol avoidance, and stress management. Medical therapy with diuretics and betahistine reduces frequency. Intratympanic steroid or gentamicin injections control intractable cases. Endolymphatic sac decompression and labyrinthectomy are reserved for severe disabling disease.

Symptoms

Episodic spinning vertigo lasting hours
Fluctuating hearing loss in low frequencies
Tinnitus often roaring quality
Sensation of ear fullness
Drop attacks (Tumarkin crises) in advanced disease

Risk Factors

Family history of Meniere's disease
Autoimmune inner ear disease
Migraine headaches
Allergic disease
High salt intake and stress

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • For first vertigo episode lasting more than 20 minutes
  • For fluctuating hearing loss
  • When tinnitus interferes with daily life
  • For drop attacks without warning
  • For audiometric and vestibular evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Low salt diet under 2 g sodium daily
02
Diuretics and betahistine medical therapy
03
Intratympanic steroid injections
04
Intratympanic gentamicin chemoablation
05
Endolymphatic sac surgery for refractory cases
06
Vestibular rehabilitation between attacks

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.