Significance

• Meniere's disease can be disabling, as the most common symptom is vertigo or a spinning, whirling dizziness. These attacks can often come without warning, though some people have lesser symptoms, such as light-headedness.
  
  

Identification

• Meniere's disease typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. Besides intermittent dizzy spells, symptoms can include tinnitus or a ringing in the ears, hearing loss, a pressure buildup or fullness in the ears, disorientation, sweating, uncontrollable eye movements, nausea, and even vomiting, according to "The New York Times Health Guide."
  
  

Causes

• Meniere's disease or symptoms can be congenital. The symptoms can also stem from head trauma, an infection, chronic allergies, alcohol use, excess salt, respiratory problems, smoking, stress and even the use of certain medications.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• A person can alleviate symptoms of Meniere's disease by stopping drinking alcoholic beverages and taking antihistamines for allergies. People with chronic Meniere's disease can use meclizine or dramamine to relieve dizziness. In some cases, surgery may be required.
  
  

Considerations

• People who have Meniere's disease should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis, so treatment can be started.