Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s disease is an inner-ear disorder associated with endolymphatic hydrops, an abnormal increase in endolymph within the membranous labyrinth. The distended inner-ear compartments disturb both cochlear and vestibular structures, which explains why vertigo occurs alongside hearing and pressure symptoms rather than in isolation. The characteristic pattern is recurrent spontaneous vertigo with fluctuating unilateral auditory symptoms. Attacks generally last 20 minutes to 12 hours. The affected ear may develop low- to mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, or aural fullness. Early hearing loss may fluctuate; over time, auditory impairment can become more persistent. The timing matters. Seconds of dizziness triggered by rolling in bed is not the usual Ménière’s pattern. Nor is continuous vertigo with new neurological deficits. An experienced clinician listens for the combination of attack duration, spontaneity, and ear-specific symptoms before assigning the diagnosis.