Labrynthitis

Question 1

What is labrynthitis?

Answer 1

This is a condition caused by the inflammation of the bony labyrinth (inner ear) including Cochlear, semicircular canals and vestibule.

Question 2

Causes:

Answer 2

• Rarely bacterial but can be due to bacterial toxins
• Viral upper respiratory tract infection
• Inflammation
  Usually secondary to otitis media or meningitis

Question 3

Presentation of a patient (symtoms)

Answer 3

• Acute onset vertigo
• labrynthtis can also be associated with hearing loss and tinnitus
  cough, sore throat, blocked nose

Question 4

Does it affect hearing loss?

Answer 4

NO

Question 5

What test can be used?

Answer 5

Head Impulse test as it is usually a peripheral issue

Question 6

Management and treatment:

Answer 6

• Short term use of medication of upto 3 months
• antihistamines
• antibiotics to help treat bacterial causes
• rarely have lasting symptoms but can lead to hearing impairment. usually common with bacterial causes and meningitis