Labyrinthitis

Question 1

What is Labyrinthitis

Answer 1

Inflammation of the bony labyrinth of the inner ear inc. semicircular canals, vestibule and cochlea.

Question 2

Labyrinthitis presentation

Answer 2

Acute onset vertigo, hearing loss (sensorineural), tinnitus associated with sweating, nausea, pallor. Nystagmus (towards opposite side of lesion). Viral symptoms. Lasts a few days

Question 3

Labyrinthitis causes

Answer 3

Viral upper resp. tract infection. Can be bacterial

Question 4

Differentials for labyrinthitis

Answer 4

Acute vestibular neuronitis, Meniere’s disease, BPPV, Migraine

Question 5

Labyrinthitis management

Answer 5

Bed rest
Anti-emetic e.g. Prochlorperazine
Antihistamine e.g. cyclizine
If bacterial, antibiotics