What is the Difference Between Meniere’s Disease and Vestibular Neuritis?

Meniere's disease and vestibular neuritis are both inner ear disorders that can cause vertigo, but they have different characteristics and symptoms. Here are the main differences between the two conditions:

Meniere's Disease:

• Combines symptoms of dizziness with occasional hearing loss.
• Not caused by an infection, making diagnosis and treatment different from labyrinthitis, which is an infection.
• Hearing loss can be low-frequency hearing loss (male voices, thunder, etc.) and may become permanent over time.
• Tinnitus and a sense of pressure in the ears are common.
• Symptoms tend to be episodic and not continuous.

Vestibular Neuritis:

• Causes severe dizziness that comes on suddenly and lasts for 2 to 3 weeks.
• Thought to be caused by a viral infection, possibly related to a viral upper respiratory infection.
• Does not cause hearing loss or tinnitus.
• Symptoms are self-limiting and gradually reduce in intensity.

In summary, Meniere's disease is characterized by episodic vertigo with occasional hearing loss and tinnitus, while vestibular neuritis is characterized by sudden, severe dizziness that lasts for a few weeks without hearing loss or tinnitus.

Comparative Table: Meniere’s Disease vs Vestibular Neuritis

Here is a table comparing the differences between Meniere's Disease and Vestibular Neuritis:

Please note that this table is not exhaustive and there may be other differences between the two conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.