LABYRINTHITIS AND VESTIBULAR NEURITIS

Overview and Facts

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are conditions caused by an infection that incites the inner ear or the nerves that link the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation interferes with sensory information transmission from the ear to the brain. Vertigo, dizziness, and problems with coordination, sight, or hearing may occur as a consequence.

Infections of the inner ear are most typically caused by viruses; bacterial infections are less common. These inner ear diseases are not the same as middle ear diseases, which are bacterial infections that affect the region surrounding the eardrum and are more frequent in children.

Types and Symptoms

SYMPTOMS

The following are the most prevalent symptoms of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis:

  • you get the sensation of spinning or swirling (vertigo)
  • feeling unstable and off-balance 
  • being unwell or feeling sick
  • loss of hearing
  • ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Symptoms might appear unexpectedly. They can be present when you wake up and worsen during the day. Symptoms usually subside after several days. It normally takes 2 to 6 weeks to get your equilibrium back, but it might take longer.

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A medical examination and questions about your symptoms and medical history might help your doctor determine whether you have labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis. Viral diseases can trigger labyrinthitis, so your physician will be on the lookout for these symptoms.

If the reason for your vertigo is unknown, your doctor may order additional tests, such as an electronystagmography or an MRI, to rule out other issues.

TREATMENT

Most cases of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis can resolve on their own. Typically, this takes many weeks. If you have a bacterial illness, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. The vast majority of cases, however, are caused by viral infections that can’t be treated with medication.

To help you heal faster, your doctor may recommend steroid medicines. They may also prescribe antiemetics, antihistamines, and sedatives to alleviate nausea and vomiting induced by vertigo.

Vertigo improves typically as your body adapts (compensation). Antihistamines, for example, may alleviate your symptoms, but they may lengthen the time it takes for your vertigo to subside.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]