Meniere's disease and fluid in the ear

The inner ear contains fluid-filled structures that convert sound into nerve signals and help the brain sense movement. If fluid pressure or composition changes, these signals can become irregular. This may produce spinning sensations, fluctuating hearing, a feeling of fullness and ringing. The fluid explanation describes a possible mechanism; it does not confirm that every episode of dizziness comes from Meniere's disease.

During an attack, sit or lie down, keep your head still, and reduce fall hazards around you. Do not drive while vertigo is active. Note meals, sleep, stress, illness, hearing changes and ringing around each episode, as this gives a clinician useful context. Book a GP review if symptoms recur. Your clinician may arrange a hearing test and decide whether ENT assessment is needed.

Get urgent help if vertigo occurs with new weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, fainting, a severe headache, chest pain or difficulty walking that does not settle. Sudden hearing loss, severe vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, or a first severe episode also warrants prompt medical assessment.

Ask what findings support Meniere's disease, whether another ear or neurological condition should be considered, and how to plan for future attacks.