Labyrinthitis - Symptoms & Treatment

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

An inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear, labyrinthitis frequently cripples 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, though viral labyrinthitis is often related with superior respiratory tract infections. Labyrinthitis is usually caused by viral infection. It may be a primordial infection; the result of trauma; or a complication of influenza, otitis media, or meningitis. Ototoxic drugs (particularly aminoglycosides) or toxic drug ingestion are other contingent 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 which causes lyme disease.

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis