What are the symptoms of Meniere's disease?

Meniere's Disease is an inner ear issue often noted by severe vertigo, tinnitus, and usually hearing loss. The vertigo will come and go but usually the tinnitus will continue. A patient may be affected by lights, especially flashing lights or flickering lights which often results in nausea. Only a very good ENT can really diagnose this awful disease, which my wife has suffered from for many years until she had a shunt installed to limit the effects. However, the shunt reduced her hearing in that ear by roughly 80% and she must watch what she eats as certain foods will return the tinnitus, diet soft drinks for one.
Have you been diagnosed?

I was examined but I would have to return to have another examination which I postponed and am reluctant to have. Why? Don't ask me. I guess it is time consuming and it is only bothersome if I want to drive. Episodes come from time to time and make me dizzy. I might have it one day...

I completely understand your reluctance to go further with this. On the other hand, a diagnosis should rule out other possible causes, which may or may not be treatable such as tumor, MS, or a eustation blockage.
I am not a doctor, to be clear. Falling off the riding lawnmower, walking down the high school hallway holding onto the walls like a drunken sailor, driving in the city with one eye covered, these alone were not enough to get a diagnosis. It took several more episodes and a reflection on the dangers to look further. And even at that, two different medical facilities were pursued, both at odds with each other. We then went to Mayo Rochester for a review and confirmation.
Courage.

@tilou, I expanded the title of your discussion to reflect your question. Here's more information from Mayo Clinic about the symptoms of Meniere's Disease: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menieres-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20374910

In addition to the helpful experiences and information from @hrhwilliam, I'd also like to connect you with @morninglory @joyces @grannyjack @estrada53 @trishanna and others who have experience with Meniere's disease.

Getting a diagnosis of any kind often involves multiple appointments, travel and loads of time. I understand your postponing the appointment. Being a patient is hard work. But it is your health and you deserve to get a proper diagnosis to resolve the symptoms and live well.

Tilou, what symptoms do you have that leads to you and your doctor suspecting Meniere's?

William and Coleen, I will become dizzy and disiorented all of a sudden, without reason and then I need to hold on to something static or a stick to really assist me to walk. I had this symptom after being treated for a compression fracture of the spine and I read that it happens many times after that occurence, but I am hopefull. I am going to ask my MD to refer me to a PT for maybe exercises that could help.

@tilou, good to discuss with your doctor. I hope that you can get to the bottom of this.

TY Colleen, I hope so too! I will see a physical therapist soon and will let you know the results.

Hi Tilou,
Thanks for sharing your questions here on Mayo Connect.
I'm sorry for your debilitating symptoms which can make you think you are losing your mind. I know I thought I was going berserk with my symptoms.
I developed Meniere's in 1992 so it's been my companion all these years. I found that salty foods, such as chips, can set off an episode. So can alcohol -oh, I remember one summer day - ok, that's another story. I stopped drinking and eating caffeine - and I love, love, love chocolate. All that helped decrease the episodes. But there have been some outliers, when I thought I was okay diet-wise and then all of a sudden, I'm on my knees crawling in the hall to the toilet to.. well, you know what I mean. I was prescribed Valium, which did very little, and also an anti-nausea medication. That did even less.
Because my Meniere's diagnosis came with sudden hearing loss, I was fitted for my first hearing aids in 92. The tinnitus came with them. Now I make music from their noises. By now, the noises understand that I'm a classical fan and jazz fan, so they try to do the best they can to provide me great 'noise'.

There are very specific tests to determine a diagnosis of Meniere's. I strongly urge you to go and attend all of your appointments, do some research and be an advocate for your self.
Feel free to email me through connect and we can discuss more!

Thinking of you,
Ellen

Hi Tilou,
There are PTs who will work with your balance specifically. I was in therapy for my balance after a recent surgery in July. It helps!

TY Estrada, I have not been diagosed with anything yet. They are still determining what my symptoms are!