Help with Meniere's disease

Meniere's disease affects the inner ear and can cause repeated episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears and a blocked or full sensation. Episodes may be frightening and can affect driving, work and balance. Dizziness has many possible causes, so a clinician usually considers the timing of attacks, ear symptoms, medicines and other health conditions before settling on an explanation.

During vertigo, sit or lie somewhere safe, keep your head still and avoid driving, heights or machinery. Keep a diary of attacks, hearing changes, ringing, food or drink patterns and medicines. Regular sleep, steady hydration and reducing personal triggers may help some people, but avoid restrictive diets without professional guidance. A GP consultation can coordinate assessment, and a hearing test provides a baseline for monitoring changes.

Seek urgent help for sudden hearing loss, new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest pain or difficulty walking that is different from your usual episodes. Arrange a review when attacks become more frequent, hearing does not return to its usual level, or ringing is one-sided or persistent. Do not assume every episode is Meniere's disease.

Ask which tests are appropriate, how to handle an attack, whether your medicines affect balance or hearing, and what changes should prompt urgent care. Discuss work, driving and fall prevention if vertigo interrupts routine activities.