Meniere's disease: description and symptoms

The inner ear contains structures involved in balance and hearing. A Meniere's episode may bring a spinning sensation, nausea or unsteadiness, together with a blocked feeling, tinnitus or reduced hearing. Symptoms can ease between attacks, but some people continue to notice imbalance or hearing difficulty. Similar symptoms can arise from migraine, infections, medication effects or other ear and neurological problems, so the pattern alone does not confirm the diagnosis.

Book a GP Consultation if episodes repeat, hearing changes are new, or ringing persists. A clinician may examine the ears, review medicines and arrange a Hearing Test or specialist assessment. During vertigo, sit or lie somewhere safe, keep your head still and avoid driving. Record triggers, duration, hearing changes and associated nausea. Regular meals, adequate fluids and a calm environment may make episodes easier to manage, though individual advice varies.

Get urgent help for sudden hearing loss, new weakness, facial asymmetry, trouble speaking, fainting, severe headache, chest pain or inability to walk safely. Seek prompt review if vomiting stops you keeping fluids down or vertigo is prolonged and unlike previous attacks. A sudden or unusual pattern should not be attributed to Meniere's disease without assessment.

Ask which features support Meniere's disease, what alternative causes need checking, and whether you need a hearing test or specialist referral. Ask how to manage an attack and which changes should lead to urgent care.