Viral labyrinthitis is an inner ear inflammation caused by a virus that can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance. Treatment includes exercise, medications, and antiviral drugs. Recovery time can range from one to six weeks, and patients should seek medical attention to rule out other causes of their symptoms. Diagnostic tests may include an otoscopic examination, X-rays, or a CT/MRI of the head.
Viral labyrinthitis is inflammation or swelling of the inner ear caused by a virus. People suffering from this condition experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea. Although viral labyrinthitis is caused by an infection, it has characteristics of a balance disorder. Patients often complain of loss of balance and a spinning sensation. Additionally, rapid eye movement and anxiety can be common complaints.
Although viral labyrinthitis is caused by viruses, other forms of labyrinthitis are related to chronic anxiety. Panic attacks can trigger symptoms, but as the panic attack subsides, the symptoms tend to go away. Treatment for viral labyrinthitis includes exercise, anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines, and antidepressants. Additionally, corticosteroids, including prednisone, are effective in reducing inflammation and vertigo symptoms.
Sometimes, antiviral medications are prescribed to treat the virus and prevent permanent damage to the inner ear. Other nonprescription medications used to treat viral labyrinthitis include motion sickness medications and antinausea medications. A very effective drug for the treatment of vertigo is called Antivert®. Not only does it help relieve dizziness, but it also fights nausea and vomiting. Antivert®, however, can cause significant drowsiness and patients should not drive while taking it.
Recovery time for viral labyrinthitis can range from one to six weeks, but the condition can be chronic when permanent damage has occurred. During bouts of labyrinthitis, driving and operating heavy machinery can prove dangerous. Even activities such as walking can be risky, as dizziness can develop suddenly and without warning, predisposing the patient to accidents, falls and injuries. While not a life-threatening medical condition, patients can become very ill with this condition.
The symptoms of viral labyrinthitis can be similar to other medical conditions such as a brain tumor or stroke. Patients experiencing vertigo should never assume that their symptoms result from viral labyrinthitis and need a physical exam to rule out other causes for their symptoms. The doctor can usually make a diagnosis by taking a detailed history from the patient and examining the inner ear.
When an otoscopic examination of the ear does not reveal a cause, the doctor may recommend that the patient undergo further tests to determine the cause of their symptoms. An otoscope is an instrument that is used to examine the inside of the ear and is a very reliable tool for diagnosing middle and inner ear disorders. Other diagnostic tests for dizziness include X-rays of the sinuses and a CT or MRI of the head.
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