Hospital Help Logo
Going Home from HospitalTransport to HospitalBlood TestsAnxiety before an Operationfaqs about medicineshandwashing
Search Our Site:
  | Home | Contact Us| A-Z Dictionary of Medical Conditions | Legal Advice | Site Map | |
 
Sponsored Links

 

Labyrinthitis

labyrinthitis

This is an infection or inflammation of the inner ear which leads to dizziness and loss of balance. The labyrinth is made up of three semicircular canals located deep inside the inner ear that help control your balance. Swelling of these semicircular canals  can result in the hearing alteration and vertigo

Infection of the inner ear is usually viral although you can have cases of bacterial. The symptoms are similar but the treatments are different therefore you need to be seen by your doctor.

Usually the onset of this condition is rapid with sudden vertigo happening whilst going about your daily activities or on waking in the morning – the duration and recovery period of Labyrinthitis can be from a couple of weeks to several , but once it has gone you will recovery completely from all the symptoms.

Occasionally permanent damage has occurred to the vestibular nerve – (the eight cranial nerve) leaving you with dizziness if this happens you may need vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

What causes Labyrinthitis?

The cause is unknown although it is known to occur after a bout of flu or a severe upper respiratory infection

Treatment:

Medications such as anti-emetics (Anti- sickness) are prescribed to control nausea and to suppress dizziness. Some evidence suggests that viral labyrinthitis should be treated in its early stages with corticosteroids this would need to be discussed with your doctor

^ Back to Top

To reduce the symptoms of labyrinthitis, try the following
:

  • Keep still and rest during attacks.
  • Avoid sudden changes in your position move slowly
  • Do not try to read during attacks.
  • Avoid bright lights, florescent strip lights.
  • Reduce your salt intake.
  • Avoid fizzy drinks that contain sodium.

Do not drive or operate machinery until the dizziness disappears.

Click here for information on Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Please Note: The information provided here should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A medical practitioner should always be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of all medical conditions.

Click here to tell a friend/family member about this page

Navigation
Insurance Insurance
blue line
General Information General Information
blue line
Medical Conditions Medical Conditions
blue line
Medical Conditions Sexual Health
blue line
Personal Injury Legal Advice Legal Help
blue line
navigation MRSA
blue line
Pain Relief Pain Relief
blue line
Pain Relief Investigations
blue line
Consent Forms Consent Forms
blue line
Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic Surgery
blue line
Attending Outpatients Outpatients
blue line
What to take to Hospital What to take
blue line
navigation Save our Hospitals
blue line
navigation Headaches
blue line

Blood Test Results Explained
Rheumatoid Arthritis
back pain

Advertise on Hospital Help

Copyright © Program IT (UK) Ltd 2007/2011 ^ Back to Top of Page | Disclaimer | About Us | Terms and Conditions |