What is the triad of Meniere's disease?

• A. Vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss
• B. Vertigo, diplopia, tinnitus
• C. Hearing loss, ataxia, tinnitus
• D. Vertigo, fever, nystagmus

Answer: (A)

Menière disease presents with episodes of vertigo accompanied by tinnitus and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. This reflects abnormal fluid regulation in the inner ear (endolymphatic hydrops) affecting the labyrinth, which causes rotational dizziness during attacks, tinnitus, a sense of fullness, and hearing that waxes and wanes—often starting with low-frequency loss. The classic triad—vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss—is the key combination that defines this condition. Signs like diplopia or fever point toward other etiologies (brain lesion or infection), and ataxia suggests cerebellar involvement; while nystagmus may accompany vertigo, it’s not part of the defining triad.