1. Listen for Sudden Ringing in the Ears
The beginning of a Meniere's disease vertigo attack often starts with tinnitus. You may spot the ringing of the ears without noticing any apparent cause. As the ringing intensifies, you may start to feel like your ears are plugged up and experience a mild degree of temporary hearing loss. In some cases, the tinnitus may even wake patients up in the middle of the night. During most Meniere's disease attacks, the symptoms only affect one ear, although the disease frequently spreads to both.
2. See How the Symptoms Develop
Tinnitus may be followed by the onset of nausea and lightheaded sensations. In such a case, it's often best to stop any physical activities and find a place to sit or lie down. These sensations can develop into Meniere's vertigo episodes, which can include loss of balance and vomiting. Depending on the severity of the condition, the symptoms could last for a few moments or a few hours. In prolonged vertigo attacks that include severe nausea or vomiting, you should try to stay as still as possible to help control your loss of balance. Some patients find it comforting to lie in a dark room during a Meniere's spell.
3. Pay Attention to Environmental Stressors
There are some locations and activities that put you at a higher risk for a Meniere's episode. Flying in an airplane can upset the inner ear due to pressure and altitude changes. Likewise, scuba diving or other activities that take you to lower altitudes may cause effects similar to vertigo. Full-contact sports can also put some Meniere's patients at higher risk for vertigo episodes. Speak with a doctor before traveling on an extended flight or starting these activities to see whether there is a medication that can help reduce the chance of Meniere's vertigo. The people who are traveling or doing the activity with you should be aware of your condition and know how to spot the beginning of a vertigo attack.
