Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis

What are labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis?

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain.

The inner ear is made up of a system of fluid-filled tubes and sacs called the labyrinth. The labyrinth contains an organ for hearing called the cochlea. It also contains the vestibular system, which helps you keep your balance.

How do they occur?

Generally viruses cause the inflammation. In vestibular neuritis, a virus similar to the herpes virus causes an infection. This infection causes swelling and inflammation of the vestibular nerves or the labyrinth. Sometimes bacteria from a middle ear infection cause labyrinthitis.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are:

• dizziness or vertigo (feeling like the room is spinning)
• trouble keeping your balance
• nausea.

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are rarely painful. If you have pain, get treatment right away.

After a few days, you may have symptoms only when you move suddenly. A sudden turn of the head is the most common movement that causes symptoms.

How are they diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Often, no other testing is needed. However, if your symptoms last for more than a month, see your health care provider again. Let your health care provider know if your symptoms are getting worse.

You may have the following tests:

• A hearing test.
• An electronystagmogram (ENG). The ENG checks eye movements as a way to get information about the vestibular system. The ENG also measures the effect of head position on dizziness.
• An MRI scan to make sure that you have not had a stroke or brain tumor.
• Blood tests to check for diabetes, thyroid disorders, Lyme disease, or vascular disease.

How are they treated?

Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to reduce nausea and dizziness. You may also take medicines to treat infection. If your nausea and vomiting cannot be controlled, you may need to go to the hospital.

How long do the effects last?

It usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to recover from vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis. You will probably need bed rest for 1 or 2 weeks. You may be left with some minor sensitivity to head motion, which can last for several years. Usually vestibular neuritis happens no more than once in a lifetime.

How can I take care of myself?

• If you are having a lot of nausea, drink just clear fluids, such as such as water, weak tea, and bouillon. Eat bland foods such as soda crackers, toast, plain pasta, noodles, bananas, and baked or broiled potatoes.
• Avoid stairs, heights, and driving while you are feeling dizzy.

What can I do to help prevent vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis?

Getting prompt treatment of a middle ear infection with antibiotics can prevent some cases of labyrinthitis. There is no known way to prevent infections of the inner ear caused by viruses.