Labyrinthitis - symptom, Treatment of Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis Information
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear which is often a complication of otitis media. You have a labyrinth in your inner ears, deep in the bone at the base of your skull. Bacterial labyrinthitis may produce a discharge from the infected ear. Most cases of labyrinthitis are caused by a viral infection.
Symptoms of Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis most commonly starts with an acute bout of spinning vertigo which is very frightening - and then slowly turns into a sense of imbalance and dizziness. Other symptoms of labyrinthitis can include:
- dizziness,
- a feeling of spinning or moving when you are still (vertigo),
- loss of balance, especially towards your affected side,
- feeling sick,
- Imbalance.
- Feeling of being constantly drunk.
- vomiting ,
- headache,
- uncontrollable flickering of your eyes (nystagmus),
- changes in your hearing such as ringing in your ears (tinnitus), and
- deafness
Treatment of Labyrinthitis
Patients with labyrinthitis are given antibiotics , either by mouth or intravenously to clear up the infection. It is adviced to take plenty of liquid, especially water, 'little and often' to avoid becoming dehydrated without upsetting your stomach . There are some things you can do to minimise any remaining feelings of dizziness and vertigo:
- During an attack, lie still in a comfortable position, on your side is often best.
- Avoid chocolate, coffee and alcohol.
- Cut down on sugar and salt.
- Stop smoking.
- Avoid bright lights.
- Try to cut out noise and stress from the area around you.
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