What is Labyrinthitis and Will it Ever Go Away?

Anyone who has ever had labyrinthitis knows that it is not fun and it seems like it will never go away. I have been dealing with the condition for a few weeks now. One minute I was fine, the next minute I was in the ER feeling like I was dying. Since then, I have felt better but one thing I have learned is to not let my body fool me. Just as sudden as the symptoms first appeared, they can show back up. I can be sitting here feeling fine when suddenly I feel like I am going to pass out. Labyrinthitis is anything but fun.

Although I knew what labyrinthitis was prior to being diagnosed, I wasn’t too familiar with it. I never knew anyone who had the condition nor do I have any clinical experience with it. I have since been prompted to read more about it and learn about other people’s experiences, mainly because I am beginning to wonder if it will ever go away.

Labyrinthitis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the labyrinth. The term is also used to refer to other causes of inner ear problems that produce similar symptoms but no cause can be found. The labyrinth is an inner ear structure located in thick bone near the base of your skull. As the name suggests, the labyrinth is a maze of several interconnected fluid-filled channels and canals. The labyrinth includes parts of the auditory system as well as the vestibular system. The vestibule region is responsible for sending information to the brain in regard to the position and movement of the head. The brain then receives, interprets, and processes the information from the vestibular system as well as other cues such as vision. This is essentially how balance is controlled within the body.

Most often, the exact cause of labyrinthitis cannot be determined. The condition can follow a viral upper respiratory infection such as a cold. Either the viruses themselves or the immune system’s response to the viruses is believed to cause inflammation resulting in labyrinthitis. Other causes include trauma or injury to the head or ear, bacterial infections, allergies, alcohol abuse, smoking, stress, fatigue, and certain medications.

The most common symptom associated with labyrinthitis is vertigo. Vertigo occurs when the information sent to the brain from the eyes and the vestibular system do not match up. Any disturbance of the vestibular system, such as inflammation with labyrinthitis, leads to faulty information being sent to the brain. The brain then has trouble interpreting what is actually going on. This leads to the feeling of movement or spinning when you are actually remaining still. Symptoms that can follow are nausea, vomiting, and general motion sickness. Other symptoms that may occur are a mild headache, involuntary eye movements, loss of balance, dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus, or other unusual sounds. Another symptom that is common for those suffering from labyrinthitis to experience is anxiety. Although it is not a direct result of the condition, many people experience anxiety in response to the vertigo. The symptoms are usually brought on or worsened by moving your head, sitting up, rolling over, or looking upward. Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, it isn’t uncommon for symptoms to seemingly disappear only to reappear later.

There is no true test for labyrinthitis. The doctor will probably ask several questions, perform a physical exam, and run a few tests to rule out other causes of the symptoms. Treatment usually depends on what symptoms the patient is experiencing and how severe they are. Medication may be prescribed to help with the vertigo, nausea, and/or anxiety. Most treatment involves self-care at home. The goal is to avoid the things that trigger the vertigo such as sudden movements or walking up and down the stairs.

Although labyrinthitis is not fun, it is manageable. There is no guarantee on how long it will last. Just remember that symptoms may appear to go away, when in fact, they actually come back. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution even if you feel better. The most important thing I have learned is to relax and avoid my triggers of vertigo. Also, I try not an dwell on how long the symptoms will last. I just hope they will go away sooner than later.