Patients who suffer from Meniere's disease suffer from periods of intense symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, ear pressure, ringing in the ears and hearing loss. For doctors, Meniere's disease is sometimes difficult to treat as the causes of the disease are not fully understood.

Background

A structure lined with tiny hairs inside of your ears known as the labyrinth controls your balance. A fluid is present within the labyrinth, and as you move your head, your brain interprets the displacement or movement of the liquid to help you maintain your equilibrium and not become dizzy.

Features

With Meniere's disease, the fluid inside of the labyrinth either changes in composition or volume, disrupting the way your brain controls your balance, explains the Mayo Clinic. Doctors do not understand what precisely causes the changes in the fluid.

Potential

Scientists are currently investigating the causes for Meniere's disease and believe that tears or holes in the labyrinth likely contribute to the changes in fluid, explains the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Theories as to what causes these ruptures are also being investigated with possible explanations including the effects of noise pollution, viruses or genetic abnormalities.

Risk Factors

Meniere's disease is more likely to occur in people between the ages of 40 and 50 and is more common in women than in men, reports Washington University at St. Louis. Though the disease affects people of all races, there appears to be more cases in people in Great Britain and Sweden.

Considerations

Because the causes of Meniere's disease are unknown, it is difficult to determine on your own whether or not symptoms you are experiencing may be due to the condition. For this reason, if you experience persistent vertigo or if your dizziness is accompanied with double vision, chest pain, changes in heart rate, fainting, falling or weakness in your limbs, seek medical attention, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Meniere's Disease

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Meniere's Disease

Washington University at St. Louis: Meniere's Page