Definition
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.
Causes
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
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk for labyrinthitis include:
- Current or recent viral infection (especially a respiratory infection)
- Allergies
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Stress
Symptoms
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)
Diagnosis
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
Treatment may include:
Medications
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.
Self-care Measures
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.
Vestibular Exercises (Vestibular Rehabilitation)
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.
Emergency Treatment
In some cases, nausea and vomiting cannot be controlled. This can result in severedehydration. You may need hospitalization to receive fluids and nutrients through an IV.
Surgery
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.
Prevention
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:
- Eat a low fat, low cholesterol diet.
- Don’t smoke.
- If you have high blood pressure, get it treated.
- If you have diabetes, work closely with your doctor to keep it under good control.
- With your doctor’s approval, exercise regularly.