Meniere's Disease
1 medicine
Meniere's disease is an inner-ear disorder causing episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, managed with medicines such as betahistine.
Key facts
- Meniere's disease is an inner-ear disorder causing sudden, unpredictable episodes of severe vertigo, along with fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sense of fullness in the affected ear.
- Episodes typically last twenty minutes to several hours and often leave noticeable fatigue behind.
- The cause is thought to be abnormal fluid pressure in the labyrinth of the inner ear, though the precise trigger isn't fully understood.
- Betahistine is the main daily medicine used to reduce how often and how severely attacks occur.
What is actually going on
Meniere's disease disrupts the fluid balance of the inner ear's labyrinth, the structure responsible for both hearing and balance. The buildup in pressure is thought to trigger the vertigo, hearing changes, and tinnitus that define an attack, though why it starts in a given person isn't well understood.
Managing the episodes
The main aim of treatment is reducing how often and how severely vertigo attacks occur. Betahistine is the most commonly used medicine for Meniere's disease; it's thought to improve blood flow within the inner ear and ease fluid pressure. It's taken daily on an ongoing basis rather than only during an attack. For people whose vertigo stays severe and disabling despite medical treatment, specialist referral for further procedures is worth considering.
Lifestyle changes that help
Reducing salt intake, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and managing stress can all help lower how often attacks happen alongside medicine. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises may also support recovery between episodes.
When to see a doctor
Ask your doctor about specialist referral if vertigo remains severe and disabling despite treatment. Get urgent care for any new or worsening neurological symptom alongside vertigo, such as difficulty speaking, double vision, or limb weakness, since these can point to a different and more serious cause.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.