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Alternative names Return to top
Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitisDefinition Return to top
Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder characterized by inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the canals of the inner ear (semicircular canals, labyrinth), which causes dizziness.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The cause of labyrinthitis is unknown, but because it commonly occurs following otitis media (ear infection) or an upper respiratory infection (URI), it is thought to be a consequence of viral or bacterial infection. It may also follow allergy, cholesteatoma, or the ingestion of certain drugs that are toxic to the inner ear.
The semicircular canals of the inner ear (labyrinth) become inflamed. This disrupts their function, including the regulation of balance. Risk factors include the following:
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
An ear examination may not reveal any changes.Treatment Return to top
Labyrinthitis usually runs its course over a few weeks. However, symptoms may need treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Medications that may reduce symptoms include the following:
To prevent worsening of symptoms during episodes of labyrinthitis, try the following:
Assistance with walking may be needed during attacks. Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until one week after symptoms have disappeared.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Recovery is usually spontaneous and hearing usually returns to normal.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, or other symptoms of labyrinthitis are present. Also call if hearing loss occurs.Prevention Return to top
Prompt treatment of respiratory infections and ear infections may help prevent labyrinthitis. Update Date: 7/8/2004 Updated by: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |