Ménière's disease is a disease that starts with vertigo as one of its primary symptoms.
Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can lead to debilitating episodes of vertigo, accompanied by other symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fluctuating hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear. These episodes can vary in frequency and severity from person to person.
Here's a breakdown of Ménière's disease:
- Vertigo: The defining symptom is severe dizziness, a sensation of spinning or whirling, which can last from minutes to hours.
- Tinnitus: A persistent ringing, buzzing, or roaring sound in the ear.
- Hearing Loss: Fluctuating hearing loss, which may become permanent over time. Typically, the hearing loss initially affects lower frequencies.
- Aural Fullness: A feeling of pressure or congestion in the ear.
While Ménière's disease is a well-known condition associated with vertigo, it is important to note that vertigo itself is a symptom and can be caused by various other conditions, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and certain medications. Therefore, while Ménière's is a disease that starts with vertigo as a key feature, vertigo itself is not exclusive to this one disease.
