Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodic vertigo (spinning sensation), tinnitus (ringing in the ear), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It occurs when the fluid balance system in the inner ear is disrupted, causing the membranous labyrinth to balloon and allow fluid mixing between the endolymph and perilymph. The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include head injuries, ear infections, allergies, smoking, and stress. Symptoms vary but include severe vertigo attacks that cause nausea and vomiting, as well as tinnitus. There is no cure, but treatment focuses on fluid reduction through diet, medication

2. Named after the French physician Prosper Meniere, Meniere's
disease is a problem that is associated with the fluid balancing
system in the inner ear. Generally, it is defined as the symptom
complex of episodic vertigo (sensation of whirling and
spinning), tinnitus (ringing, roaring, and hissing that usually
occurs in one ear), aural pressure (feeling of pressure in the
concerned ear), and fluctuating hearing loss. There is a pattern
involved here, which is usually a sensation of pressure building
up in one ear with increasing tinnitus and a drop in hearing.
After this happens, the vertigo comes quite suddenly, which
may last for a few hours to several days. When the vertigo
attack is over the hearing improves.

3. There exists a portion in the inner ear known as the labyrinth,
within which, fluid is contained. The labyrinth has two parts:
the membranous labyrinth and the bony labyrinth. The
membranous labyrinth, required for hearing and balance, is
encased by bone, and filled with a fluid called endolymph.
When we move our heads, the endolymph fluid moves causing
nerve receptors in the membranous labyrinth to send signals to
the brain about the body's motion. An increase in endolymph,
however, can cause the membranous labyrinth to balloon or
dilate. This condition is known as endolymphatic hydrops.
Perilymph is another fluid that occupies the space between the
membranous labyrinth and the bony inner ear. It is the belief of
many experts that a rupture of the membranous labyrinth allows
the endolymph to mix with perilymph.

4. Accordingly, this results in the symptoms of Meniere's disease.
Nonetheless, the exact cause of this condition remains
unknown. In some cases, a connection exists between the onset
of the illness and recently suffered head injury, middle ear
infection, or syphilis. Other factors that increase the risk,
include, allergies, alcoholism, fatigue, recent viral
illness, respiratory infection, smoking, stress, and use of certain
medications like aspirin. Genetics also play a role in acquiring
this disease.
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5. The symptoms of Meniere's disease vary from person to person,
they are not definite. The two main symptoms are vertigo and
tinnitus, which are described below in detail.
 Vertigo: The patient experiences severe attacks of vertigo, a
feeling of falling, which can also cause spinning of the head and
imbalance. The person feels as if he is flying or floating in air.
These symptoms can disrupt all the other aspects of life. This
attack can last for minutes or for hours together. It may be
followed by nausea, or even vomiting. The patient is advised to
sleep in such cases, as head movements or any external sound
can make vertigo grow worse.
 Tinnitus: Another main symptom is the ringing or booming
sensation in one or both ears, also known as tinnitus.
Sometimes, there is also a feeling of fullness in the ear, which is
accompanied by a feeling of pressure.

6. There is a strong sensitivity of visual stimuli, followed by
nystagmus which is involuntary movements of eyeballs or
jumping of eyes. Sometimes, the attack is followed by
vomiting, excessive sweating, and nausea. The disease and its
disability may include temporary or permanent hearing loss in
one or both ears. Feeling of exhaustion and sleepiness can be
observed after the attack is over.
If you are experiencing the symptoms like vertigo or tinnitus to
some extent, don't jump to the conclusion that you are suffering
from Meniere's disease. A proper diagnosis is necessary several
tests are carried out, like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or
Electroencephalogram (EEG). They can help to confirm the
disease. Along with this, several hearing tests like audiometry
are also performed for diagnosing this disorder.
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7. Unfortunately, there is no cure, however, the symptoms can be
controlled successfully by reducing the body's retention of
fluids through dietary changes (which include low-salt or salt-
free food and no caffeine or alcohol) or medication. Eliminating
tobacco and reducing stress levels also help lessen the severity
of the symptoms.
Apart from the treatment options mentioned above, there are
various surgical procedures that have been advocated for
patients, who have persistent, debilitating vertigo from
Meniere's disease. One such surgical treatment is
Labyrinthectomy, in which the inner ear sense organ is
removed. This procedure can control vertigo, but is reserved for
patients, who have non-functional hearing in the affected ear.
Vestibular neurectomy is another such treatment, in which, a
nerve from the affected ear is selectively severed.

8. This procedure usually controls vertigo while preserving the
hearing however, it also carries certain surgical risks.
During an attack, it is advisable to lie flat on a surface keeping
your eyes aimed at an object that is stationary. Do not eat or
drink anything. When you feel that the symptoms have gone
away, get up slowly. At this time you may want to sleep for
several hours. Remember to call your doctor, if you keep
vomiting for more than 24 hours, and are not able to keep down
any liquids.
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