Labyrinthitis

• What causes Labyrinthitis?
• Treatment
• To reduce the symptoms of 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

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To reduce the symptoms of labyrinthitis, try the following:

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.

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