Labyrinthitis Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is Labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis means an inflammation of the inner ear structure called the labyrinth. Sometimes the term Labyrinthitis refers to other causes of inner ear problems that have no inflammation because those problems produce similar symptoms.

Causes of Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is usually caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria. Having a cold or flu can trigger the condition. Less often, an ear infection may lead to Labyrinthitis. Other causes include allergies or certain drugs that are bad for the inner ear. These factors causes Labyrinthitis is as follows:

• Drinking large amounts of alcohol
• Fatigue
• History of allergies
• Recent viral illness, respiratory infection, or ear infection
• Smoking
• Stress
• Using certain prescription or non-prescription drugs (such as aspirin)

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis may include any of the following:

• Feeling like you are spinning, even when you are still (vertigo)
• Your eyes moving on their own, making it hard to focus them
• Dizziness
• Hearing loss in one ear
• Loss of balance; you may fall toward one side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Ringing or other noises in your ears (tinnitus)

Diagnosis of Labyrinthitis

Diagnosis of Labyrinthitis carry out the following tests:

• A physical examination
• Hearing tests
• Further testing

Further testing is usually only required if you have additional symptoms that suggest you may have a more serious condition, such as meningitis or a stroke. Symptoms can include:

• Severe headache
• Mental confusion
• Slurred speech
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body

These tests can include:

• A lumbar puncture
• Computerised tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
• Blood tests

Treatment of Labyrinthitis

The treatment options for Labyrinthitis available are:

• Prescription antihistamines, such as desloratadine (Clarinex)
• Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as fexofenadine (Allegra), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Claritin)
• Medications that can reduce dizziness and nausea, such as meclozine (Antivert)
• Sedatives, such as diazepam
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone
• If you have an active infection, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.

In addition to taking medications, there are several techniques you can use to relieve vertigo:

• Avoid quick changes in position or sudden movements.
• Sit still during a vertigo attack.
• Get up slowly from a lying down or seated position.
• Avoid television, computer screens, and bright or flashing lights during a vertigo attack.
• If vertigo occurs while you’re in bed, try sitting up in a chair and keeping your head still. Low lighting is better for your symptoms than darkness or bright lights.
• If your vertigo continues for a long time, physical and occupational therapists can teach you exercises to help improve balance.

By : Natural Health News