Labyrinthitis & Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular Neuritis / Labyrinthitis are conditions in which the inner ear and /or the nerve linking the inner ear to the brain become inflamed. These disorders, which are generally caused by a viral infection, produce vertigo (a spinning feeling), dizziness, imbalance, unsteadiness, and sometimes visual or hearing difficulties.

The brain integrates information provided by the balance control systems in both ears in a healthy balance system, but if one side is damaged, the messages from that side are distorted, creating dizzy and vertigo sensations.

Information (The Facts)

Inflammation of the inner ear is called labyrinthitis. Just inside the skull lies the labyrinth, which is made up of fluid-filled sacs and tubes. The cochlea, which is required for hearing, and the balancing organs (vestibular system), which inform humans which direction is up and down even when their eyes are closed, are both found within it. These organs can be impacted in one or both directions. Because the labyrinth is just about half an inch (1.25 cm) wide, infection can rapidly spread.

A bundle of nerves connects these organs to the brain through the inner ear. Vestibular neuronitis is the inflammation of these nerves (or vestibular neuritis). It might be difficult to tell if the labyrinth is inflamed or the nerves are irritated.

The inner ear, which includes the cochlea and vestibular system, is affected by labyrinthitis, an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria or viruses. Sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, and disequilibrium (balancing difficulties) are the most common symptoms, which can affect one or both ears. It might be suppurative or serous in nature.

Labyrinthitis

Suppurative (bacterial) labyrinthitis occurs as a result of direct microbial invasion of the inner ear and is characterised by severe to profound hearing loss as well as vertigo. Serous (viral) labyrinthitis is a kind of labyrinthitis that causes just labyrinth inflammation. It causes less severe hearing loss and vertigo than suppurative labyrinthitis, and the hearing loss typically improves.

What is the Purpose of the Labyrinth?

In the inner ear, there is a labyrinth. The cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals are all located in the inner ear. The labyrinth is a system of tiny fluid-filled canals that runs through microscopic shell-like structures. The semicircular canals detect head movement and aid with balance and posture regulation. The cochlea is responsible for hearing.

Three semicircular canals exist (anterior, lateral and posterior). These are nearly at right angles to one another and detect movement in a variety of directions, including left-right, forward-back, and up-down head motions. The semicircular canals are linked to the vestibule, a larger fluid-filled chamber that is connected to the cochlea's fluid-filled canal.

Labyrinthitis

The fluid in the labyrinth within the semicircular canals changes when you move your head, and this is how head motions are sensed. Microscopic hairs on the labyrinth's inner lining are moved by the fluid's flow.

The movement of the hairs causes nerve messages to be transmitted to the brain via the vestibular nerve. Even when your eyes are closed, this provides information to your brain regarding the movement and position of your head.

What you observe, as well as nerve impulses from your joints and muscles, assist in informing your brain about your position and posture. A well functioning labyrinth in each ear, on the other hand, is required for healthy posture and balance.

Causes 

A viral infection, such as a cold or the flu, or an infection with a herpes virus, which causes chickenpox, shingles, or cold sores, as well as measles or glandular fever, is the most prevalent cause of labyrinthitis. Labyrinthitis can occur as a result of an ear infection.

Labyrinthitis can also be caused by a bacterial illness like meningitis or a middle ear infection. Labyrinthitis can be caused by autoimmune disorders, allergies, or medicines.

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis can be caused by a number of reasons:

  • Herpes viruses are viruses that cause herpes.
  • Influenza.
  • Measles.
  • Rubella.
  • Polio.
  • Hepatitis.
  • Epstein-Barr.
  • VaricellaThe most prevalent cause is viral infections. Viruses that cause colds and flu are the most common, but others such as the varicella zoster virus (which causes shingles) and the mumps, and rubella viruses are also common.
  • Bacterial infections that spread to the inner ear, generally from a middle ear infection (otitis media) or meningitis. Children are more susceptible to these than adults.
  • Your inner ear is affected by autoimmune diseases. This is a rare occurrence. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system targets healthy tissues in your body, causing inflammation and damage.
  • Inner ear damage caused by an underlying illness such meningitis, circulatory difficulties, or Ménière's disease.
Labyrinthitis

Other variables, such as stress or allergies, do not appear to raise your risk of labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis. However, having one of these illnesses might make you feel more agitated or nervous, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

Who is Afflicted with Labyrinthitis?

The majority of instances of viral labyrinthitis affect individuals between the ages of 30 and 60. Adults are susceptible to viral labyrinthitis. Children are more likely to get other forms of ear infections. Bacterial labyrinthitis is significantly less prevalent than bacterial labyrinthitis. Bacterial labyrinthitis is more likely to develop in children under the age of two.

Labyrinthitis Complications

Bacterial labyrinthitis is more likely to cause permanent hearing loss in youngsters, especially if it develops as a consequence of meningitis.

Following bacterial labyrinthitis, a hearing test is advised due to the increased risk:

  • A cochlear implant may be used to treat severe hearing loss caused by bacterial labyrinthitis, This is a tiny electronic device that is implanted behind the skin behind the ear after surgery, rather than a traditional hearing aid.

Vestibular neuronitis is an inner ear disease that affects many people.

Many patients who are diagnosed with labyrinthitis simply have balance problems and no hearing loss. Rather than labyrinthitis, this is called vestibular neuronitis. Both words, however, are frequently used to denote the same condition.

Who is Susceptible to Labyrinthitis?

You're more likely to have labyrinthitis if you have a viral illness that might cause it. If your kid hasn't received the recommended vaccinations or has long-term, untreated middle-ear infections, their risk may increase.

Treatment

Labyrinthitis generally clears itself in a few of weeks. Vertigo and other symptoms can be alleviated with treatment.

Medicines that may be of assistance include:

  • Antihistamines.
  • Prochlorperazine and other anti-nausea.
  • Meclizine or scopolamine, for example, are dizziness-relieving medications.
  • Diazepam and other sedatives (Valium).
  • Corticosteroids.

You may be admitted to the hospital if you experience severe vomiting.

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for self-care at home.

You may control vertigo by doing the following:

  • Stay motionless and take a break.
  • Avoid abrupt movements or changes in posture.
  • During severe bouts, take a break. Slowly resume your normal routine. When you lose your equilibrium during an assault, you may require assistance walking.
  • During an attack, stay away from bright lights, television, and reading.
  • Inquire with your doctor about balance treatment. Once the nausea and vomiting have subsided, this may assist.

After your symptoms have gone away, you should avoid the following for a week:

  • Driving.
  • Heavy machinery operation.
  • Climbing.

During these activities, a sudden dizzy episode might be deadly.