Labyrinthitis
En Español (Spanish Version)Labyrinthitis is swelling and irritation in the inner ear. It occurs in the labyrinth of the ear. This is a system of cavities and canals. They affects hearing, balance, and eye movement.
Labyrinthitis
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Labyrinthitis may be caused by:
- Viral or bacterial infection
- Head injury
- Disease of blood vessels
- Stroke
- Nerve problems
- Autoimmune disease
-
Side effects of drugs, including:
- Certain antibiotics
- Aspirin
- Quinine—may be used for malaria treatment
Factors that increase your risk 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:
Medication to control the symptoms, including:
- Antiemetics—to control nausea and vomiting
- Vestibular suppressants—to limit loss of balance and dizziness
- Steroids—in limited situations, to help control inflammation
Anti-viral medication may be given if a virus is involved. Antibiotics may be given if a bacterial infection in involved.
Note:
Without antibiotic treatment, labyrinthitis caused by a bacterial infection can lead to permanent hearing loss or balance problems.
Some steps to help you manage your symptoms include:
- 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
. You may need hospitalization to receive fluids and nutrients through an IV.
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
Dizziness - differential diagnosis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php
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Inner ear infections. Vestibular Disorders Associations website. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
.
Accessed December 28, 2012.
Labyrinthitis. American Association of Family Physicians Familydoctor website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/labyrinthitis.html
.
Accessed December 28, 2012.
Labyrinthitis. Johns Hopkins Medical Center website. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
.
Accessed December 28, 2012.
12/3/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php
: Hillier S, McDonnell M. Vestibular rehabilitation for unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
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Last Reviewed November 2012