Labyrinthitis

The Basics

Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate пїЅ пїЅ

What is labyrinthitis? " пїЅ Labyrinthitis is a condition that causes sudden dizziness and balance problems. People with this problem also feel sick and might throw up. Often, people feel very ill for a few days and then start to feel better. But sometimes, the symptoms last for weeks. пїЅ пїЅ

What causes labyrinthitis? " пїЅ Doctors are not sure what causes labyrinthitis. The symptoms seem to be caused by swelling or another problem with the nerve inside your brain that controls hearing and balance. In some people, labyrinthitis happens during or after an infection from a virus. But most people with labyrinthitis do not have symptoms of an infection. пїЅ пїЅ

What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis? " пїЅ The symptoms include: пїЅ пїЅ

Feeling like you are spinning, swaying, or tilting " пїЅ This is a type of dizziness called "vertigo. " пїЅ You might also feel like the room is moving around you.
Feeling like you might throw up (nausea)
Throwing up (vomiting)
Problems balancing and walking
Hearing loss in one ear

If you have all of these symptoms except hearing loss, the condition is called "vestibular neuritis. " пїЅ пїЅ пїЅ

Is there a test for labyrinthitis? " пїЅ No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. Your doctor might do tests to make sure you do not have a different problem. These include imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan. These tests take pictures of your brain and inner ear. пїЅ пїЅ

How is labyrinthitis treated? " пїЅ The treatment depends on your symptoms, how long they have lasted, and what likely caused your labyrinthitis. пїЅ пїЅ

Your doctor might prescribe medicines that can: пїЅ пїЅ

Treat infections caused by a virus
Reduce swelling around the nerves inside the brain
Treat symptoms of vertigo
Treat nausea and vomiting

He or she might also refer to you to a physical therapist (exercise expert) who can teach you special exercises to help with your balance. пїЅ пїЅ

All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. пїЅ пїЅ

This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. пїЅ пїЅ

Topic 83064 Version 2.0 пїЅ пїЅ

Release: 22.8 - C22.206 пїЅ пїЅ

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. пїЅ пїЅ2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. пїЅ пїЅ

Labyrinthitis

The Basics

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

Copyright