Which condition is characterized by episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus with episodes lasting about 20 minutes?

The condition characterized by episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, with episodes typically lasting about 20 minutes, is Meniere disease. This disease is associated with an accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, known as endolymphatic hydrops, which leads to the classic triad of symptoms: recurrent episodes of vertigo that can last from 20 minutes to several hours, fluctuating hearing loss that can progress to permanent loss, and tinnitus, which often presents as a ringing or buzzing in the ears.

The episodic nature of these symptoms is a key feature of Meniere disease, distinguishing it from other vestibular disorders. For instance, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo primarily causes brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, without the associated hearing loss or tinnitus. Vestibular neuritis generally leads to prolonged vertigo without hearing loss, and acoustic neuroma can cause gradual hearing loss and imbalance but does not typically present with episodic symptoms like those seen in Meniere disease. Thus, Meniere disease aptly describes the combination of symptoms and the episodic nature of the episodes.