Testing for Meniere's disease

A clinician will ask about spinning sensations, how attacks begin and end, nausea, ear pressure, ringing, and changes in hearing. Meniere's disease is considered when episodes of vertigo occur with fluctuating inner-ear symptoms, but similar symptoms can have other explanations. A hearing test measures hearing across different pitches and can document sensorineural hearing loss or changes over time. Your examination may include eye movements, balance, walking, and a neurological review. Further tests are chosen when the pattern is unusual or another inner-ear or neurological problem needs consideration; no single scan or blood test establishes the diagnosis.

Keep an attack diary: record the date, duration, spinning or imbalance, hearing changes, ringing, ear fullness, headache, recent illness, and medicines. Bring previous hearing results and note whether one ear or both are affected. At a GP consultation, describe what you can and cannot do during an episode, including falls or difficulty walking. Attend follow-up hearing tests if requested, since comparison can be more informative than one result.

Sudden hearing loss, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe new headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk safely needs urgent medical assessment. Seek immediate help if vertigo follows a head injury or occurs with persistent vomiting and dehydration. Do not drive while an attack is active or while your balance remains unreliable.

Ask which findings support Meniere's disease, what the hearing test showed, which alternatives are being considered, and when repeat assessment is needed. Ask how to manage driving, work, and fall risk during attacks.