Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear “of unknown cause, affecting the membranous labyrinth of the ear” (Mayo Clinic). This disorder presents a wide variety of symptoms, while offering only a limited number of treatment options. What are the causes and main symptoms of Ménière's disease? What is the most effective way to treat the disorder? Is Ménière's disease preventable and/or treatable? These are all questions that are asked by patients with Ménière's disease and the answers to these questions will be explored in this article. The cause of Ménière's disease is believed to be due to the accumulation of fluid in the labyrinth of the inner ear. This excess fluid increases the hydraulic pressure within the endolymphatic system of the inner ear, causing a condition called endolymphatic hydrops. The labyrinth is divided into two sections: bony labyrinth and membranous labyrinth. The membranous portion of the labyrinth is filled with fluid (endolymph) which stimulates the organs of balance as the body moves. “In the cochlea, fluid is compressed in response to sound vibrations, which stimulate sensory cells that send signals to the brain” (NIDCD). Since the two sections of the labyrinth house the semicircular canals, the otolith organs and the cochlea, this disease has a strong impact on the sense of balance and hearing ability. Ménière's disease causes spontaneous, severe episodes of dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), fluctuating hearing loss, and a feeling of congestion or pressure in the ear (aural fullness). “Some people have single attacks, once in a while. Others may have many attacks spaced together over several days” (Medline Plus). As well as having symptoms of dizziness, tinnitus, f... middle of paper... and even surgery. In most cases, surgery to release excess pressure buildup in the endolymph and restore the vestibular system is considered the last option for treating Ménière's disease. As stated previously, it is estimated that approximately 60% of people achieve noticeable improvement following these treatment options without resorting to surgery. Ménière's disease affects millions of people around the world, and there are only a few known ways to effectively treat the disorder. The most common way to live with Ménière's disease is to know the symptoms and understand the precautions you can take to avoid having frequent attacks. The vestibular system may not be able to fully recover, but today's treatments have been shown to relieve many of the symptoms and improve the quality of life of Ménière's disease patients..