Labyrinthitis is swelling and irritation of the labyrinth of the inner ear. This is a series of fluid-filled tubes and sacs.
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This problem may be caused by:
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
Problems can range from mild to severe and last for days or weeks.
Problems may be:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the ears. You may need to see a doctor who treats ear problems.
Hearing tests will be done.
Images may be taken. This can be done with:
Any underlying cause will need to be treated. This problem usually goes away on its own with time. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Choices are:
Medicines to control symptoms may be:
Vestibular exercises use a series of eye, head, and body movements. They get the body used to moving without the feeling of spinning.
There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov
Vestibular Disorders Association
http://www.vestibular.org
Labyrinthitis. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/condition/labyrinthitis. Accessed January 8, 2021.
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. Vestibular Disorders Association website. Available at: https://vestibular.org/article/diagnosis-treatment/types-of-vestibular-disorders/labyrinthitis-and-vestibular-neuritis. Accessed January 8, 2021.
Royal W 3rd, Vargas D. Bell's palsy and vestibular neuronitis. Handb Clin Neurol. 2014;123:763-770.
Vestibular neuronitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/vestibular-neuronitis. Accessed January 8, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD Last Updated: 01/08/2021
