Labryinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis

Day 5 of Balance Awareness Week- How is your balance?  This was hard for me to do, but Ralph snapped the picture at the right time. 

What is Labyrinthitis? Inflammation or infection of the inner ear. May be caused by an upper respiratory infection.
What causes Labyrinthitis?

1. respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis
2. viral infections of the inner ear
3. stomach viruses
4. herpes viruses
5. bacterial infections, including bacterial middle ear infections
6. infectious organisms, such as the organism that causes Lyme disease

You may have an increased risk of getting Labyrinthitis:

1. smoke
2. drink large quantities of alcohol
3. have a history of allergies
4. are habitually fatigued
5. are under extreme stress
6. take some prescription medications
7. take over-the-counter medications (especially aspirin)

Symptoms:

1. dizziness
2. vertigo
3. loss of balance
4. nausea and vomiting
5. tinnitus, which is characterized by a ringing or buzzing in your ear
6. loss of hearing in the high-frequency range in one ear
7. difficulty focusing your eyes
8. In very rare cases, complications can include permanent hearing loss.

How is it diagnosed?
There aren’t any specific tests so your doctor will rule out other possible conditions.

• Brain or heart disease
• Head injury
• Side effects of prescription drugs or substances like alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine
• Stroke

Labyrinthitis can mimic other conditions. These conditions include:

1. Meniere's disease, which is an inner ear disorder
2. migraine
3. small stroke
4. brain hemorrhage, which is also known as “bleeding on the brain”
5. damage to the neck arteries
6. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is an inner ear disorder
7. brain tumor

Tests to check for these conditions may include:

1. hearing tests
2. blood tests
3. a CT or MRI scan of your head to record images of your cranial structures
4. electroencephalogram (EEG), which is a brain wave test
5. electronystagmography (ENG), which is an eye movement test

Treatment:

1. Antiviral medications or steroids 
2. Medication to treat nausea or vertigo 
3. Exercise through vestibular therapy

It might take a few weeks to a month to recover, but most people recover completely. Though they may experience vertigo later on.
If it reoccurs it will be milder and your doctor may look at other causes.
I hope you are spin free!
Love, Peace and Light! Rita