Meniere's disease

Headline
Etiology over production/↓ absorption of endolymph?
Epidemiology Risk factors: autoimmune history, fhx, recent viral illness
Clinical presentation sudden onset of vertigo, sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and sensation of fullness in the affected ear
Diagnostic investigations None which can be easily done in ED - CKS recommends ENT referral
Rule out MS, space occupying lesions, BPPV, vestibular neuronitis (justified in doing CT head for acute vertigo)
Management Advise attacks usually self-resolve within 24h and max 5-7 days.
Lifestyle: Na restriction (!), caffeine and alcohol consumption
Pharm:
- antihistamines might be used... evidence varies.
- Steroids if sudden hearing loss.
- Betahistine to minimise frequency and severity of attacks
Mechanical: tinnitus retraining, hearing aids...
Surgical: endolymphatic sac surgery

from CKS:

A probable diagnosis requires all of the following criteria:

  • Two or more episodes of vertigo or dizziness, each lasting 20 minutes to 24 hours.
  • Fluctuating aural symptoms (hearing loss, tinnitus, or fullness) in the affected ear.
  • Not better accounted for by an alternative vestibular diagnosis.