Labyrinthitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear. The labyrinth is made up of 3 semicircular canals located deep inside the inner ear that help control your balance. Inflammation of these canals, or labyrinthitis, can occur as a result of a viral or, more rarely, a bacterial infection. The term "labyrinth" comes from the Greek "labyrinthos" for "a structure with intricate passages intersecting each other." A labyrinth played a role in Greek mythology: the maze on Crete where the monstrous Minotaur roamed and devoured his victims. Labyrinthitis may cause a sudden onset of vertigo -a sensation of spinning or whirling-that may be severe enough to cause nausea or vomiting. The vertigo gradually goes away over a period of several days to weeks. However, for a month or longer, a sudden head movement can trigger another attack of vertigo. Labyrinthitis may be accompanied by temporary or permanent hearing loss. Bacterial labyrinthitis may develop after a middle ear infection ( otitis media ) or an infection of the lining of the brain ( meningitis ) and is a more serious condition.

An inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear, labyrinthitis frequently incapacitates the patient by producing severe vertigo that lasts for 3 to 5 days; symptoms gradually subside in 3 to 6 weeks. Associated symptoms include tinnitus and hearing loss. This disorder is rare, although viral labyrinthitis is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections. Labyrinthitis is usually caused by viral infection. It may be a primary infection; the result of trauma; or a complication of influenza, otitis media, or meningitis. Ototoxic drugs (particularly aminoglycosides) or toxic drug ingestion are other possible causes of labyrinthitis.

Causes of Labyrinthitis

Common Causes of Labyrinthitis :

• Head injury.
• Stroke.
• Alcohol .
• Viral or bacterial infection-this is the most common cause.
• Tumor in the brain or head.
• Taken some particular medicines in high doses (Aspirin, Dilantin).
• Occasionally, a herpes virus, which also causes cold sores, shingles or the chicken pox.
• Flu-like respiratory illness.
• Bacterial or other infectious organisms, for example the organism that causes lyme disease.

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis

Some common Symptoms of Labyrinthitis :

• Vomiting.
• Loss of hearing in high frequency range.
• Dizziness.
• Hear loss.
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear.
• Vertigo (spinning sensation).
• Fatigue.

Treatment of Labyrinthitis

• Use of antibiotics in the case of viral infection
• Taken Antiviral drugs
• Balance exercise.
• Use of anti nausea medication
• Medications to dampen the sensations of dizziness.
• Hearing aid, if the hearing loss is permanent.