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Home :: Family Health :: Labyrinthitis Labyrinthitis - Labyrinthitis symptom, treatment, causesLabyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinth), usually caused by viral or bacterial infection. Viral labyrinthitis may complicate generalised viral infections such as INflUENZA or MUMPS.In bacterial labyrinthitiS, infection spreads to the inner ear from acute MIDDLE EAR INFECfION or bacterial MENINGITIS(inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain). Labyrinthitis means an inflammation of the inner ear structure called the labyrinth. It is, as the name suggests, an inflammatory process affecting the labyrinths that house the vestibular system (which sense changes in head position) of the inner ear. The labyrinth is made up of 3 semicircular canals located deep inside the inner ear that help control your balance. Inflammation of these canals, or labyrinthitis, can occur as a result of a viral or, more rarely, bacterial infection . Labyrinthitis may cause a sudden onset of vertigo a sensation of spinning or whirling that may be severe enough to cause nausea or vomiting. In addition to balance control problems, a labyrinthitis patient may encounter hearing loss and tinnitus. It appears labyrinthitis is caused by a virus (the herpes virus has been implicated) but it can also arise from bacterial infection, head injury , an allergy or as a reaction to a particular medicine. Both bacterial and viral labyrinthitis can cause permanent hearing loss, although this is rare. Labyrinthitis is characterized by dizziness or feelings of motion sickness caused by disturbance of the sense of balance. Sometimes the term labyrinthitis refers to other causes of inner ear problems that have no inflammation because those problems produce similar symptoms. The vertigo gradually goes away over a period of several days to weeks. However, for a month or longer, a sudden head movement can trigger another attack of vertigo. Labyrinthitis may be accompanied by hearing loss, which is usually temporary. Bacterial labyrinthitis may develop after a middle ear infection ( otitis media ) or an infection of the lining of the brain ( meningitis ) and is a more serious condition. See an illustration of an inflamed labyrinth . Causes of LabyrinthitisThe common Causes of Labyrinthitis :
Symptoms of LabyrinthitisLabyrinthitis causes giddiness, nausea and vomiting. loss of balance and hearing, ringing in the ears, and abnormal, jerky movements of the eyes (NYSTAGMUS). In bacterial labyrinthitis the dominant symptoms may be ear pain and those of the underlying cause. Some Symptoms of Labyrinthitis :
Treatment of LabyrinthitisThere is no specific treatment for viral labyrinthitis. Medication can help to relieve the giddiness and vomiting. The inflammation and symptoms subside with time, but in severe cases some hearing may be lost. Bacterial labyrinthitis needs prompt antibiotic treatment. Surgical drainage of pus may be necessary.
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