Meniere's syndrome, or disease, is an inner ear disorder that interferes with normal sensory perception. Its symptoms include hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ears, ringing in the ears, and recurrent vertigo---which causes dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, an atypical amount of fluid in the inner ear causes Meniere's disease, but it's unknown what causes the abnormal fluid to develop.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can diagnose Meniere's disease through a physical exam and testing your hearing and balance. Your doctor may also an MRI or other diagnostic tests.
Treatment
Treatment includes using remedies for nausea and motion sickness, or antibiotics. Your doctor may try injecting steroids into your middle ear or suggest surgery to reduce fluid retention. Severe cases may require more extensive treatment, says the Mayo Clinic.
Solutions
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), diet and lifestyle changes---such as reducing salt intake and avoiding monosodium glutamate---can help Meniere's patients. Quitting smoking and avoiding caffeine are also recommended.
Complications
"Unpredictable episodes of vertigo" are a complication of Meniere's disease, reports the Mayo Clinic, and can boost your chances of falling or having an accident while driving or operating machinery. Depression and anxiety may also occur in patients struggling with symptoms.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, Meniere disease, Your doctor