First described by physician Prosper Ménière in 1861, Meniere's disease affects approximately 615,000 Americans reports the Mayo Clinic. Although the disease is not fully understood, doctors agree upon the symptoms that define the disorder.

Types of Symptoms

Symptoms of Meniere's disease include dizziness, vertigo, hearing loss that comes and goes and a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears. Tinnitus or ringing in your ears is another common symptom and may sound like a buzzing, humming, clicking, roaring whistling or hissing, explains the Mayo Clinic.

Features

The feelings of vertigo caused by Meniere's disease have the potential for great intensity and may cause a feeling of spinning, involuntary eye movements, nausea, vomiting and sweating. Even after the episode of vertigo ends, you may feel unsteady for several days, reports Washington University of St. Louis.

Time Frame

The symptoms of Meniere's disease are intermittent, starting and stopping without warning, reports National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Attacks of vertigo typically last a minimum of 20 minutes and may persist for several hours.

When to See a Doctor

Other illnesses may mimic the symptoms of Meniere's disease, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis or heart disease. Because of this, you should talk to your doctor if you experience attacks of vertigo, suggests the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

The symptoms of Meniere's disease vary greatly from person to person and may even differ from attack to attack, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Meniere's Disease-Symptoms

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

Meniere's Page

More Information:

Tinnitus