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Labyrinthitis, also known as acute inner otitis, is the most common complication of chronic otitis media. Labyrinthitis can cause serious brain diseases, as the inflammation spreads very quickly to the inside of the cranial cavity, leading to, for example, meningitis. Check what are the causes and symptoms of labyrinthitis. What tests are included in the diagnosis of labyrinthitis? How long does it take to heal inflammation?

Labyrinthitis- colloquiallyacute inflammation of the inner ear- is a disease in which the inflammatory process affects all three parts of the inner ear, i.e. vestibule (vestibular labyrinth), cochlea (cochlear labyrinth) and three semicircular canals.The symptoms ofinflammation are similar to those of motion sickness, but itscausesare completely different. therefore, a very thoroughdiagnosis of labyrinthitis is necessary. Checkwhat testsneed to be done then andhow long is the treatmentof this labyrinthitis.

Labyrinthitis - causes

Labyrinthitis usually results from the presence of bacteria, which most often come from the middle ear (as a transition to the inflammatory process). Involvement of the inner ear is also observed in the case of infection with mumps, rubella, measles, influenza, chickenpox and shingles, as well as with herpes virus, HIV. The cause of labyrinthitis can also be toxoplasmosis. Non-infectious factors are injuries (e.g. fracture of the temporal bone) or autoimmune diseases, systemic diseases. However, labyrinthitis is most often a complication of chronic otitis media. It is very rarely the result of meningitis (it causes this disease more often).

Labyrinthitis - symptoms

The characteristic symptoms of labyrinthitis are:

  • imbalance
  • dizziness
  • uneven tinnitus
  • hearing impairment or partial loss of hearing
  • nystagmus (eye twitching)
  • nausea and vomiting
  • feeling tired

Read also: Błędnik: structure and functions

Important

When earache occurs ifever, it is necessary to intervene as soon as possible by an otolaryngologist to prevent the spread of inflammation and minimize the risk of he alth-related complications (e.g. meningitis, cerebellar abscess, permanent damage to the balance organ and deafness).

Labyrinthitis - diagnosis

In case of labyrinthitis, see an otolaryngologist. The doctor should perform an otoscopy (ear endoscopy) to check how the hearing aid works, and therefore what part of the ear is inflamed. Hearing is also tested using audiometry tests.

Full diagnosis requires an X-ray of the temporal bone and, if necessary, a computed tomography of the head.

If there is a suspicion of cerebellar damage, it may also be necessary to see a neurologist who will perform the Romberg maneuver - examination of the consistency of movements.

CHECK>>Ear anatomy

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Labyrinthitis - treatment

Treatment is most often performed in a hospital setting, in an otolaryngology ward. In order to eliminate inflammation, antibiotics, which are administered intravenously, are necessary.

In some cases, your doctor may order middle ear drainage to help drain infected mucus.

In extreme cases, the intervention of a surgeon is necessary, whose task is to remove the inflammation by mastoidectomy or labyrinthectomy.

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Category:

Neurology