Inflammation of the bony labyrinth of the inner ear, including the semicircular canals, vestibule (middle section) and cochlea.
The inflammation is usually attributed to a viral upper respiratory tract infection.
Rarely labyrinthitis can be caused by a bacterial infection. This may be an inflammatory response to a nearby infection or the result of bacteria or bacterial toxins entering the labyrinth. It is usually secondary to otitis media or meningitis.
Labyrinthitis presents with acute onset vertigo, similarly to vestibular neuronitis.
Unlike vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis can also be associated with:
May have Sx associated with causative virus - cough, sore throat, blocked nose
A clinical diagnosis is based on history and examination findings. It is important to exclude a central cause of the vertigo.
The head impulse test can be used to diagnose peripheral causes of vertigo, resulting from problems with the vestibular system (e.g., vestibular neuronitis or labyrinthitis).
Management is the same as with vestibular neuronitis, with supportive care and short-term use (up to 3 days) of medication to suppress the symptoms. Options for managing symptoms are: