Labyrinthitis is believed to be an inflammatory disorder of viral origin or that it occurs after a viral infection of the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve.
The cause is a viral infection which inflames the nerve.
Symptoms appear abruptly and are very disabling. These are characterized by rapid onset of severe vertigo with nausea, vomiting, unsteady gait and deafness (hypoacusis).
Diagnosis is based on collecting a complete medical history and a thorough physical examination including a full neurological exam. It is supplemented with imaging tests (head CT-scan, head MRI), hearing tests, electronystagmography and forcing temperature changes of the inner ear with air or water to test eye reflexes.
The treatment with antiemetics, antihistamines, anticholinergics and benzodiazepines aims at controlling symptoms. Sometimes, corticosteroids are used as anti-inflammatories, antivirals and vestibular rehabilitation.
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