What Are These Conditions?
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are related inner ear disorders that can affect your balance and hearing. While similar, they have distinct characteristics:
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Labyrinthitis: Inflammation affecting both the vestibular nerve and cochlea
-
Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of only the vestibular nerve
Common Symptoms
Primary Symptoms
- Severe vertigo (spinning sensation)
- Balance problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty focusing eyes
Additional Symptoms in Labyrinthitis
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing in ears)
- Ear pain or pressure
Causes and Risk Factors
- Viral infections (most common)
- Upper respiratory infections
- Bacterial infections (rare)
- Stress
- Autoimmune conditions
Diagnosis
Common Tests Include:
- Physical examination
- Hearing tests
- Balance testing
- Head impulse test
- Caloric testing
Treatment Options
Immediate Relief
- Vestibular suppressant medications
- Anti-nausea medications
- Bed rest during acute phase
Long-term Management
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Treatment of underlying causes
Recovery Timeline
- Acute phase: 1-3 days
- Initial recovery: 1-3 weeks
- Complete recovery: Several weeks to months
When to Seek Medical Care
Emergency Symptoms:
- Severe vertigo with inability to stand
- Sudden hearing loss
- Facial weakness
- Severe headache
- High fever
Prevention
- Good hand hygiene
- Avoiding sick contacts
- Managing stress
- Maintaining overall health
Living with the Condition
Lifestyle Adaptations
- Avoid sudden movements
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Remove trip hazards
- Get sufficient rest
Prognosis
Most patients make a full recovery with proper treatment and time. Some may experience mild residual symptoms that typically improve with vestibular rehabilitation.