What Is Labyrinth Disease?

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Labyrinthitis is the inflammation of part of the inner ear called the labyrinth. The eighth cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve) may also be inflamed. TTheseinflammation causes a feeling of spinning (vertigo), hearing loss, and other symptoms. In most people, these symptoms go away over time.

Treatment for this condition includes medications to reduce nausea and vomiting and anti-nausea medications if necessary; physical therapy; counseling; and possibly surgery in some cases to decompress the balance system within the inner ear (labyrinth).

Some of the causes of Labyrinth disease are mentioned below.

Ear Infection

Ear infections can cause labyrinth disease. An infection in the inner ear or the vestibular system can cause dizziness and vertigo. Untreated labyrinthitis can lead to permanent hearing loss and other complications. The ear infection can cause dizziness, vertigo, and nausea.

Bacteria

A viral infection usually causes labyrinthitis, but bacteria can sometimes cause it. Bacterial infections are more severe than viral ones because they can enter your inner ear through broken layers of tissue. 

In most cases, treatment involves resting at home with plenty of fluids while waiting for the condition to resolve itself.

Virus

Many different viruses are known to cause labyrinthitis, including influenza, measles, herpes virus, mumps virus, and varicella-zoster virus. The most common way for these viruses to infect your body is through respiratory droplets. 

They spread by being coughed out into the air where others breathe them in. In some cases, though, they can also spread through saliva and other bodily fluids such as blood or semen.

Viral Labyrinthitis

Viral labyrinthitis typically results in sudden vertigo, nausea, and vomiting. Sometimes it also leads to hearing loss. Viral labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own. However, if you suspect that your symptoms are more severe than typical for viral labyrinthitis, you should visit a doctor. 

If the symptoms last longer than 48 hours after the initial onset of symptoms, then please contact your doctor.

When left untreated, this condition can lead to permanent hearing loss in one ear. That’s why you must seek medical attention if you suspect that something isn’t quite right with your sense of balance.

To learn more about the most commonly acquired diseases, visit us at www.mentorpro.org.