Understanding Ménière’s disease by Dr Winnie Lim Khoo, Neurologist

Ménière’s disease is a long term, progressive condition affecting the balance and hearing parts of the inner ear. During an attack of Ménière’s disease, one may experience any or all of the following:

• Severe Dizziness
• Spinning sensation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Imbalance
• Feeling of pressure in ear
• Hear of ringing sound
• Decrease in hearing

Symptoms vary between people and over time. The main problems are unpredictable attacks of vertigo with nausea and vomiting. Attacks can last from a few minutes to 24 hours. Both sexes are equally affected and it can occur at any age. About 7–10% of sufferers have a family history of the disease.

A doctor may recommend you for a blood tests and imaging scans such as an MRI to be able to rule out disorders that can cause problems similar to those of Ménière’s disease, such as a tumor in the brain or multiple sclerosis.

No cure exists for Ménière’s disease. A number of treatments can help reduce the severity and frequency of the attacks. If in case of sudden attacks, it is best to visit the nearest emergency care department of any hospital. A regular visit to your family doctor or neurologist may help you lessen or avoid the sudden attacks of Ménière’s disease.