Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is irritation and swelling of the inner ear caused by a virus and can sometimes be triggered by a bacterial infection, often following a cold. This condition leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, nausea, spinning, and vertigo. Symptoms can start suddenly.

The inner ear contains three semi-circular canals, a bone structure within the sensory system that sends information to the brain about balance, motion, and the location of your head. Sometimes, due to irritation and swelling, these messages become mixed up, and the brain reads them incorrectly. This causes the symptoms of vertigo, even when you're not moving.

These three semi-circular canals each detect different head movements:

  • 1st canal senses up and down movements.
  • 2nd canal senses side to side movements.
  • 3rd canal senses tilting movements.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to contact your GP for medical advice.

Causes of Labyrinthitis

  • Cold
  • Allergies
  • Ear infection
  • Mumps
  • Measles
  • Glandular fever

Treatments for Labyrinthitis

Treatment for Labyrinthitis typically includes:

  • Steroid treatment to reduce inflammation in the inner ear.
  • Antiemetics to help stop the nausea and vomiting.
  • Antibiotics if your labyrinthitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
  • Antiviral medications if the condition is viral.

FAQs

Vertigo gives you the sensation of moving or spinning when you are still, causing balance issues. Labyrinthitis causes similar balance problems with the added issue of temporary hearing loss.

Symptoms usually go away within a week, though most people feel completely back to normal after 2 to 3 months.

Untreated labyrinthitis can lead to balance issues and permanent hearing loss.

Yes, labyrinthitis can make you feel unwell. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing in the ear, and headaches.

Both have similar symptoms, but labyrinthitis is often triggered by a cold or viral infection with intense symptoms that gradually improve with medications. Meniere’s disease, on the other hand, has no obvious triggers and tends to be intermittent.