Saturday 16 October 2010

MRCP revision battle 31.4: Meniere's Disease

Meniere's Disease is a disorder of the inner ear causing vertigo and hearing loss.


Features include:
  • vertigo
  • tinnitus
  • sesorineural hearing loss
  • aural fullness

There may be nystagmus and a positive romberg's test


It is usually unilateral and is believed to be associated with endolymphatic hydrops (=increased fluid in ear)


Rarely it may be associated with drop attacks - no LOC or vertigo, but suddenly falling to one side.


Management:
  • prochlorperazine
  • inform DVLA and stop driving until controlled.


 Next up: that formally very topical topic CJD...