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Labyrinthitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitis

Treatment:

Labyrinthitis usually goes away within 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:

• Antihistamines
• Anticholinergics
• Sedative-hypnotics
• Anti-emetics (antinausea medications)
• Benzodiazepines

To prevent worsening of symptoms during episodes of labyrinthitis, try the following:

• Keep still and rest during attacks.
• Gradually resume activity.
• Avoid sudden position changes.
• Do not try to read during attacks.
• Avoid bright lights.

You may need help walking during attacks. Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until 1 week after symptoms have disappeared.

Expectations (prognosis):

Hearing usually returns to normal.

Complications:

• Injury to self or others during attacks of vertigo
• Permanent hearing loss (rare)
• Spread of inflammation to other ear areas or to the brain (rare)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, or other symptoms of labyrinthitis are present. Also call if hearing loss occurs.

Urgent or emergency symptoms include convulsions , fainting, persistent vomiting, or vertigo accompanied by fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Review Date: 8/3/2006
• Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center atBrooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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