Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are disorders that result from an infection in the inner ear. Inflammation of the vestibular nerve

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth – the fluid-filled tubes and sacs in the inner ear that resemble a maze or labyrinth. The labyrinth is important for both hearing and balance. Labyrinthitis can make you lose your balance or cause hearing loss.

Vestibular neuritis is an inflammation of the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. This condition can result in dizziness and vertigo but usually doesn’t affect hearing.

 

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis Diagnosis

Your health care provider will give you a physical exam and may perform a neurological exam as well.

Other tests may be ordered to rule out other symptoms. These may include:

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis Treatment

Most of the time, these conditions go away on their own. Medicines (prescription and non-prescription) can help reduce vertigo and other symptoms.

Your provider may advise you to start balance therapy once the nausea and vomiting has passed. This will retrain the brain to use information provided by the inner ear.