Labyrinthitis

Question 1

Pathophysiology of labyrinthitis

Answer 1

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

Normally due to an URTI

Question 2

Presentation of labrynthitis

Answer 2

Acute onset vertigo

Associated with:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus

Patients may have symptoms associated with the causative virus, such as a cough, sore throat and blocked nose

Question 3

Diagnosing labrynthitis

Answer 3

Clinical diagnosis

Exclude a central cause of the vertigo.

Head impulse test

Question 4

Management of labrynthitis

Answer 4

Up to 3 days of medication:

• Prochlorperazine
• Antihistamines e.g. promethazine

Antibiotics - bacterial labyrinthitis and treat bacterial infection such as otitis media