Meniere’s disease is characterised by all except –
**Core Concept**
Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear, specifically affecting the endolymphatic sac, leading to episodic vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and aural fullness. It is characterized by an abnormality in the endolymphatic fluid, leading to an increase in intralabyrinthine pressure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Meniere's disease typically presents with four primary symptoms: vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural fullness. The vertigo is usually rotational, lasting from minutes to hours, and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The hearing loss is typically low-frequency and fluctuant, but can progress to a more permanent, high-frequency loss over time. Tinnitus is a common symptom, often described as a low-pitched, pulsating sound. Aural fullness is a sensation of pressure or blockage in the affected ear.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Endolymphatic sac surgery is not a characteristic of Meniere's disease, but rather a treatment option for the condition.
**Option B:** Tinnitus is a characteristic symptom of Meniere's disease, not an exception.
**Option C:** Aural fullness is a common symptom of Meniere's disease, not an exception.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Meniere's disease can be differentiated from other inner ear disorders, such as labyrinthitis, by the presence of fluctuating hearing loss and aural fullness. A thorough history and physical examination, including audiometry and electronystagmography, are necessary for diagnosis.
**Correct Answer: D. Endolymphatic sac surgery is not a characteristic of Meniere's disease, but rather a treatment option for the condition.**