Labyrinthitis

About the Disease

Labyrinthitis results from an infection of the inner ear, causing inflammation that damages the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve is crucial for transmitting signals related to hearing and balance from the inner ear to the brain. The inner ear, or labyrinth, comprises fluid-filled sacs and canals responsible for these functions. The cochlea, a snail-shaped, fluid-filled structure, is essential for hearing, while the vestibular part, which includes three semicircular canals and two sac-like structures (utricle and saccule), manages balance by providing information about head movements. Labyrinthitis disrupts both the cochlear and vestibular components, leading to hearing loss and imbalance.

Symptoms

Vertigo: Intense bouts of spinning lasting hours to days.
Hearing Loss: Reduced hearing ability in the affected ear.
Tinnitus: Persistent ringing or buzzing in one ear.
Giddiness or Unsteadiness: Difficulty maintaining balance.
Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanying vertigo.
Difficulty Focusing Eyes: Especially during head movements.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis involves several vestibular tests, including:

Videonystagmography (VNG): Detects abnormal eye movements.
Craniocorpography (CCG): Assesses body movements and balance.
Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV): Measures perception of vertical orientation.
Dynamic Visual Acuity (DVA): Evaluates visual stability during movement.
Audiometry: Tests hearing function to determine the extent of hearing loss.

Treatment

Managing Symptoms

Medication: Short-term use of drugs to reduce dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. These medications should not be taken for more than three days to avoid hindering recovery.
Vestibular Suppressants: Help control vertigo and dizziness but should be limited to short-term use

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation should begin as soon as acute symptoms subside. This therapy helps the brain adapt to changes in balance function, known as central compensation. The exercises aim to:

Vestibulospinal System: Improve balance during standing and walking.
Vestibular Ocular System: Enhance vision stability at rest and during head movements.
Control the Posture and Center of Gravity.

Customized balance exercises are recommended based on the patient’s condition and progress. These exercises should be performed 2-3 times a day under clinical guidance, with specific instructions to ensure safety and effectiveness.