Home > Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders > Ménière's Disease

Definition

Ménière's disease is a disorder characterized by recurrent vertigo, sensory hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It is named for the French physician, Prosper Ménière, who first described the illness in 1861. Ménière's disease is also known as idiopathic endolymphatic hydrops; "idiopathic" refers to the unknown or spontaneous origin of the disorder, while "endolymphatic hydrops" refers to the increased fluid pressure in the inner ear that causes the symptoms of Ménière's disease.

Description

Patients with Ménière's disease have periodic attacks characterized by four major symptoms:

• Vertigo. This is a spinning or whirling sensation that affects the patient's sense of balance; it is sometimes violent. The vertigo is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Fluctuating loss of hearing.
• Tinnitus. This is a sensation of ringing, buzzing, or...