Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the structures of the inner ear.
It can be caused by a viral or, less commonly, a bacterial infection. Bacterial labyrinthitis may begin after a middle ear infection and may lead to a serious infection of the lining of the brain (meningitis).
Symptoms last a few days to a week and include dizziness and a sensation of spinning or whirling (vertigo) that may be severe enough to cause nausea or vomiting. Labyrinthitis may cause hearing loss that is usually temporary.
Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own. Antibiotics will be prescribed if the cause is a bacterial infection. Other medications, such as those that reduce nausea and dizziness, may be needed for symptoms of vertigo.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise