Ménière disease

Ménière disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. It causes episodes of vertigo, which is a spinning sensation, along with hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. These symptoms occur because of abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear, which disrupts the normal signals sent to the brain. The condition usually affects only one ear and can vary in severity and frequency of attacks. Over time, the hearing loss may become permanent. Ménière disease primarily impacts the vestibular system, which helps control balance and spatial orientation.

Ménière disease is a chronic disorder characterized by episodic vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness due to endolymphatic hydrops, an abnormal accumulation of endolymphatic fluid in the membranous labyrinth of the inner ear. The pathophysiology involves impaired resorption or overproduction of endolymph, leading to distension of the endolymphatic space and disruption of cochlear and vestibular function. The disease typically presents in adults aged 20 to 50 years and is usually unilateral but can be bilateral in some cases. The exact etiology is unknown but may involve genetic predisposition, autoimmune factors, or viral infections. The hallmark clinical significance is the recurrent, spontaneous vertigo attacks that can last from 20 minutes to several hours, often accompanied by progressive hearing loss and imbalance.