What should you know about Meniere's disease and blood pressure?

Meniere's disease may cause spinning vertigo together with ringing, ear pressure and fluctuating hearing. Blood pressure problems more often cause light-headedness, especially when standing, although symptoms can overlap. Dehydration, infection, anxiety, heart rhythm changes and medicines can also affect how you feel. A blood pressure reading does not confirm or exclude Meniere's disease, and an inner-ear diagnosis does not explain every dizzy spell.

Clinicians may compare readings over time, review medicines and ask whether symptoms occur with standing, head movement or hearing changes. A hearing test can help document the ear component.

Arrange a GP consultation for recurrent dizziness, new hearing loss or ringing. Bring a list of medicines and note readings with the time, position and symptoms; avoid repeatedly checking in a way that increases anxiety. Rise slowly, drink fluids unless a clinician has advised restriction, and sit down if light-headed. Do not change blood-pressure medicine or use salt products to influence readings without advice. Avoid driving during vertigo.

Seek emergency help for dizziness with chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, new weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, confusion or a severe new headache. Sudden hearing loss also needs prompt assessment. Get urgent advice after a fall or when vomiting prevents drinking, regardless of a known blood pressure or ear diagnosis.

Does my dizziness sound like spinning vertigo or light-headedness? Could a medicine be contributing? Should I have blood pressure checks in different positions or a hearing test?