Labyrinthitis

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Ear anatomy

Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis usually goes away within a few weeks. However, symptoms may need treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Medications that may reduce symptoms include the following:

• Antihistamines
• Anticholinergics
• Sedative-hypnotics
• Anti-emetics (antinausea medications)
• Benzodiazepines

To prevent worsening of symptoms during episodes of labyrinthitis, try the following:

• Keep still and rest during attacks.
• Gradually resume activity.
• Avoid sudden position changes.
• Do not try to read during attacks.
• Avoid bright lights.

You may need help walking during attacks. Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until 1 week after symptoms have disappeared.

Hearing usually returns to normal.

• Injury to self or others during attacks of vertigo
• Permanent hearing loss (rare)
• Spread of inflammation to other ear areas or to the brain (rare)

Call your health care provider if dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, or other symptoms of labyrinthitis are present. Also call if hearing loss occurs.

Urgent or emergency symptoms include convulsions, fainting, persistent vomiting, or vertigo accompanied by fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

Review Date: 08/03/2006
Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center atBrooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.