Labyrinthitis & Vestibular Neuritis

Having a middle ear infection is bad enough. But did you know that these infections could also cause other troubles for your ears?
In this article, we’ll talk about the lesser known, but also inconvenient, Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerves (which are nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain). This nerve can be found in the inner ear and is important in maintaining balance. When this nerve is inflamed, there is a sensation of motion without there being any. This is also known as vertigo, and occurs because the inner ear is innately involved in maintaining balance of the body.

The occurrence of vestibular neuritis often follows a cold or upper respiratory infection but it may also be caused by ear infections, or conditions that affect the circulatory system, the brain, and the Central Nervous System.

The main symptom of this condition is Vertigo. The vertigo may present with dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Vertigo can last anyway from a few days to weeks.

The inflammation that causes vestibular neuritis usually goes away on its own. As such, you can ‘rest it out’ if you’re afflicted. Severe symptoms of vertigo can be treated with medicines e.g. antihistamines or sedatives.
Sometimes bacteria from a middle ear infection cause labyrinthitis.

Possible diagnoses include a hearing evaluation, balance testing, an MRI scan, and possible blood testing.

Labyrinthitis

An inflammation of the inner ear, Labyrithitis has a variety of causes. Bacteria from middle ear infections may sometimes cause it.

It can lead to serious infection of the brain lining (also known as meningitis).
Symptoms usually include dizziness, and sensations of loss of balance. Such symptoms may be severe enough to cause nausea.

In itself, labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own. If the cause is bacterial, antibiotics may be prescribed. In addition, medicines that treat accompanying symptoms like those caused by vertigo, may be prescribed.

In summation, Labyrinthitis is a combination of the symptoms of vestibular neuritis, with the addition of hearing problems (e.g. loss of hearing, or tinnitus).

Diagnosis and Treatment — Labyrinthitis & Vestibular Neuritis

There are no specific methods to diagnose vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis. The diagnosis is usually arrived at after a method of elimination, since the symptoms of an inner ear infection are common to a wide variety of ailments.

The diagnosis may be confirmed using an audiogram (hearing test), and electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG). Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) could also be used to detect damage in a particular portion of the vestibular nerve. The results are analysed by professional physicians and audiologists.

Medications may be prescribed for acute cases. These include antivirals, antibiotics, or steroids. In case of dehydration brought about by severe nausea, it is not uncommon for an intravenous (IV) drip to be used.

A Final Note

In many cases, inner ear infections are treatable, and if done so promptly, vanish without much damage. If given too much time to fester though, it is not uncommon for ear infections to cause permanent damage, and even partial or full hearing loss.

If you are feeling any of the symptoms described above, consider visiting your ENT specialist!