Ménière's Disease
Pronunciation: men-YAIRZ
A disorder of the inner ear characterised by episodic vertigo, fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness, attributed to endolymphatic hydrops.
Full Definition
Ménière's disease is a chronic inner-ear condition defined by recurring spontaneous episodes of vertigo lasting 20 minutes to 12 hours, accompanied by ipsilateral low-to-mid-frequency sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of aural fullness. The pathophysiology is linked to abnormal accumulation of endolymph (endolymphatic hydrops), though the exact mechanism remains debated. Audiological documentation of Ménière's disease typically includes serial audiograms demonstrating low-frequency threshold fluctuation and ECochG findings. Editors should note that the possessive form 'Ménière's' (with accent and apostrophe-s) is preferred in clinical writing over the eponymless 'Meniere disease' used in some North American style guides; verify the house style before editing.
Usage
Usage note: Retain the accent on the 'e' in Ménière unless the publisher's style guide explicitly specifies otherwise. The plural 'Ménières' (without apostrophe) is incorrect.
In Context
- "Serial audiograms confirmed the characteristic low-frequency hearing fluctuation consistent with Ménière's disease." — Longitudinal audiological follow-up report
- "The house style requires 'Ménière's disease' with the accent on the first e; the unaccented form is not acceptable in this journal." — Editorial style note