Viral Labyrinthitis

Question 1

what is labyrinthitis?

Answer 1

inflammatory disorder of the membranous labyrinth, affecting both the vestibular and cochlear end organs

Question 2

how is labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis distinguished?

Answer 2

only vestibular nerve affected in vestibular neuritis –> NO HEARING LOSS
vestibular nerve and labyrinth affected in labyrinthitis –> HEARING LOSS

Question 3

how does labryinthitis present?

Answer 3

acute onset of:
* vertigo - exacerbate by movement
* nausea and vomiting
* hearing loss
* tinnitus
* preceding or concurrent symptoms of URTI

Question 4

what are the clinical signs of labryinthitis?

Answer 4

• spontaneous unidirectional horizontal nystagmus towards the unaffected side
• sensorineural hearing loss
• abnormal head impulse test
• gait disturbance

Question 5

how is labryinthitis diagnosed?

Answer 5

clinically

Question 6

how is labryinthitis managed?

Answer 6

• usually self-limiting
• prochlorperazine or antihistamines may help reduce the sensation of dizziness