What condition is characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and ear fullness?

The condition characterized by episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and ear fullness is Meniere disease. This disorder is primarily associated with abnormalities in the inner ear, specifically involving the fluid balance within the labyrinth system.

Patients with Meniere disease typically experience recurrent episodes of severe vertigo, which can last from a few minutes to several hours. The tinnitus often described is perceived as ringing or noise in the affected ear and can vary in intensity. Additionally, a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear is also a hallmark symptom, which is attributed to fluid accumulation (endolymphatic hydrops) that disrupts normal balance and hearing function.

While other conditions like vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and allergic rhinitis may present with some overlapping symptoms such as dizziness and ear discomfort, they do not encapsulate the classic triad of symptoms—episodic vertigo, tinnitus, and aural fullness—that distinctly define Meniere disease. Understanding these nuances is key in differentiating between these conditions in a clinical setting.