Labyrinthitis - Definition and Overview

Labyrinthitis is a balance disorder that usually follows an upper respiratory tract infection (URI). It is, as the name suggests, an inflammatory process affecting the labyrinths that house the vestibular system.

Labrynthitis causes vertigo, as well as nystagmus beating away from affected ear. Hearing loss is commonly present in the infected ear. Nausea and sickness is normal, due to the mixed-up balance signals that the brain receives. There are also sometimes cochlear symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing loss.

More often than not, it is caused by a virus but can also arise from bacterial infection, head injury, an allergy or as a reaction to a particular medicine.

Both Bacterial and Viral Labyrinthitis can cause permanent hearing loss, although this is rare. Prochlorperazine is commonly prescribed for all types of the infection, which helps with the nausea and sickness. Recovery generally takes from one to four weeks.

Viral labyrinthitis should be treated with corticosteroids such as prednesone, and possibly antiviral medication such as valtrex. Treatment should be undertaken as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage to the inner ear.