Labyrinthitis
En Español (Spanish Version)Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear. The labyrinth is a system of cavities and canals in the inner ear that affects hearing, balance, and eye movement.
Labyrinthitis
© 2011 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes include:
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Head injury
- Disease of blood vessels
- Stroke
- Nerve problems
- Autoimmune disease
-
Side effects of drugs, including:
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Aspirin
- Quinine
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for labyrinthitis include:
- Current or recent viral infection (especially a respiratory infection)
- Allergies
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Stress
The symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for days or many weeks. Symptoms are usually temporary, but rarely, can become permanent.
The most common symptoms are:
- Vertigo
(spinning sensation)
- Dizziness
Other symptoms may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hearing loss
- Involuntary eye movement
-
Ringing in the ear
(tinnitus)
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Initial diagnosis is based on the symptoms and the results of your exam.
Tests may include:
- Examination of the middle ear for signs of a viral or bacterial infection
- Neurologic examination
- Maneuvers for evaluating for other causes of dizziness (Dix-Hallpike maneuver)
- Hearing tests
- Electronystagmogram—a test of eye movement
- CT scan
or
MRI scan
—to look at structures in the head
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics (only for bacterial infection)
-
Medication to control the symptoms, including:
- Antiemetics—to control nausea and vomiting
- Vestibular suppressants—such as meclizine, to help control loss of balance and dizziness
- Steroids—in limited situations, to help control inflammation
-
Anti-viral medication (eg,
Acyclovir
)
Note:
Without antibiotic treatment, bacterial labyrinthitis can lead to permanent hearing loss or permanent problems with balance.
- Rest, lie still with your eyes closed in a darkened room during acute attacks.
- Avoid movement, especially sudden movement, as much as possible.
- Avoid reading.
- Resume normal activities gradually after the symptoms have cleared.
Your doctor may suggest specific vestibular exercises. These exercises use a series of eye, head, and body movements to get the body used to moving without dizziness. You may work with a physical therapist to learn these.
In some cases, nausea and vomiting cannot be controlled. This can result in severe
dehydration
, which may require hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids.
Rarely, labyrinthitis may be due to a break in the membranes between the middle and inner ear. Surgery to repair the break may be required. If a tumor is causing the condition, surgery may also be needed.
To reduce your risk of getting labyrinthitis:
- Seek prompt treatment for any ear problems or infection.
- Get medical advice on treating respiratory infections.
- Avoid head injury by wearing seat belts and safety helmets.
- Ask your doctor about side effects of any medication you are taking.
- Avoid alcohol.
-
Take steps to prevent blood vessel disease or stroke. These include:
National Library of Medicine
Vestibular Disorders Association
The Merck Manual of Medical Information.
17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
12/3/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
: Hillier S, McDonnell M. Vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2010;(10):CD005397.
Last Reviewed December 2010