Ménière’s Syndrome

Synonyms

Endolymphatic hydrops; Ménière’s disease

Definition

Ménière’s syndrome consists of recurrent episodes of vertigo, lasting minutes to hours (or longer), which may be accompanied by tinnitus and hearing loss.

Current Knowledge

Epidemiology

Ménière’s syndrome affects men and women equally. The onset is most often in the fifth decade but can occur earlier or later.

Etiology

Onset is usually sporadic, with no known cause. The syndrome may occur in patients with prior ear damage due to viral or bacterial infection, commonly in childhood. There may be a history of hearing loss. Transmission is hereditary (may be dominant or recessive).

Pathology

Ménière’s syndrome is characterized by increased volume of endolymph (the fluid inside the semicircular canals), causing distention of the endolymphatic system.

Clinical

Ménière’s syndrome is characterized by the sudden onset of severe vertigo (spinning sensation), accompanied by nausea and, sometimes, vomiting. The patient is frequently...