Labyrinthitis: how to treat and how to identify!

Labyrinthitis , also known as vestibular neuritis, neurolaberintitis , or acute peripheral vestibulopathy, is a benign, self-limiting disease that causes severe dizziness. Labyrinthitis is caused by inflammation of the inner ear, a region where a structure called the labyrinth is located, responsible for our balance. Among all the causes of vertigo , it is the most common.

To understand what this disease is, you must first know what the labyrinth is and how the inner ear works. The labyrinth is an organ that is part of the vestibular apparatus, responsible for the function of balance. In addition, the labyrinth is a set of semicircular arches with liquid inside. The movement of these fluids is interpreted by the brain, which helps to identify movements and keeps us in balance.

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the balance center in the inner ear (or labyrinth). It is usually caused by an infection. Symptoms include hearing loss, spinning sensation (vertigo), and dizziness. Most people feel better within a few weeks.

What causes labyrinthitis?

The most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or flu , or an infection with a virus from the herpes virus group , which causes chickenpox , shingles, or cold sores. Sometimes an ear infection can lead to labyrinthitis .

Less commonly, a bacterial infection such as meningitis or a middle ear infection. Some autoimmune conditions, allergies and medications.

What are the symptoms of labyrinthitis?

Most people with this condition feel like the room is spinning. This dizziness is also known as vertigo. It can be mild, or it can be so bad it’s hard to get out of bed.

Other symptoms include:

• Nausea _
• A false sense of movement.
• Uncontrolled eye movement.
• Loss of balance.
• fever _
• Earache .
• Vomit .
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Fluid or pus coming out of the ear.

Diagnosis of labyrinthitis:

If you have symptoms indicative of the condition , you may need to see your doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Also, your doctor will speak to you and examine you. The exam may ask for:

• Let him move his head quickly,
• hearing tests,
• eye exams,
• Check your blood pressure,

Your doctor may also arrange tests such as an EEG, a CT scan, or an MRI.

Treatment for labyrinthitis:

If you have been diagnosed with the disease, you may not need any treatment.

• In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the inner ear
• Vestibular suppressors for severe vertigo
• Anti-nausea medications for nausea or vomiting.

If your symptoms don’t go away, you may benefit from specialist rehabilitation and physical therapy, which can help retrain your brain to interpret inner ear balance messages.

It can also help relieve symptoms:

• Rest on your side during episodes of vertigo.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Create a low-noise, low- stress environment .
• Avoid bright lights.