What is Labyrinthitis?

An ear disorder, labyrinthitis is where there is inner ear swelling and irritation. It can be caused by upper respiratory infections, ear infections, allergy, medications, and cholesteatoma. There is a higher risk factor for getting labyrinthitis if you have a history of allergies, fatigue, drink alcohol, recent illnesses or infections, stress, smoking, or use certain medications.

Symptoms

The signs of this inner ear condition include dizziness, hearing loss in an ear, loss of balance, involuntary eye movements and difficulty focusing, abnormal sensation of movement, vomiting, nausea, and ringing in the ear.

Diagnosis

Doctors will be doing a neurological and physical exam. There will be tests done so that other syndromes and conditions are ruled out. These tests may include a head MRI, hearing tests, head CT scan, EEG, electronystagmography, and testing of eye reflexes by warming and cooling the inner ear. This is done with air or water.

Treatment

The condition may go away on its own. Reducing symptoms can be had through antihistamines, sedative-hypnotics, dizziness medications, nausea and vomiting medications, and corticosteroids. Patients are advised to avoid bright lights, keeping still and not trying to read during symptomatic times, and avoiding sudden moves.

There is a good prognosis for this condition, with severe signs leaving within a week typically. Within two to three months, most sufferers are better. There may be permanent hearing loss, injuries sustained during vertigo bouts, and spreading of the inflammation to other areas.

Source: A.D.A.M.