Ménière's Disease

Call 911or other emergency services immediately if you have vertigo (a spinning sensation) along with other symptoms, including:

• Headache, especially if you also have a stiff neck and fever.
• Sudden hearing loss.
• Weakness of an arm or leg.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Difficulty speaking.
• Numbness or tingling that does not go away, anywhere on your body.
• A recent head injury.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate care if:

• You have an attack of vertigo that is different from those you have had before or from what your doctor told you to expect.
• You need medicine to control nausea and vomiting caused by severe vertigo.

If you have been diagnosed with Ménière's disease, watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You have frequent or severe episodes of vertigo that interfere with your normal activities.
• You do not get better as expected.
• You have any new symptoms.
• You have problems with your medicine.
• You have questions or concerns.

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you think you may have Ménière's disease—see a doctor right away. Attacks of Ménière's disease can cause permanent hearing loss. Prompt diagnosis and steps to prevent further attacks may reduce both the discomfort of attacks and the risk of hearing loss.

Who To See

Health professionals who can diagnose and treat Ménière's disease include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• General practitioners.
• Internists.

You may be referred to a specialist:

• Otolaryngologist
• Neurologist

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.