Labyrinthitis

Alternative names:

bacterial labyrinthitis; serous labyrinthitis

Symptoms:

• dizziness
• abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
  • may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting
  • may be severe
  • may be continuous for up to a week at a time
  • severe episodes may be followed by transient episodes for several weeks

• loss of balance, especially falling toward the affected side
• hearing loss in the affected ear (especially with bacterial labyrinthitis)
• ringing or other noises in the ears (tinnitus)
• involuntary eye movements

Signs and tests:

An ear examination may not reveal any changes.

Differentiation from other causes of dizziness or vertigo may include:

• head CT scan or MRI scan
• hearing testing (audiology/audiometry)
• caloric stimulation (tests reflexes of the eye)
• electronystagmography
• EEG, evoked auditory potential studies