Viral labyrinthitis Flashcards
What is viral labyrinthitis?
Viral labyrinthitis is an inflammatory condition of the inner ear, specifically affecting the labyrinth, which comprises the vestibular system and the cochlea.
What causes viral labyrinthitis?
Viral labyrinthitis is usually caused by a viral infection that spreads from the respiratory tract or middle ear to the inner ear.
The inflammation leads to dysfunction of the vestibular system, resulting in vertigo and balance disturbances, as well as the cochlea, causing hearing loss and tinnitus.
What is the average age of presentation of viral labyrinthitis?
The average age of presentation is 40-70 years
What are the 5 typical symptoms of an acute onset viral labyrinthitis?
- vertigo: not triggered by movement but exacerbated by movement
- nausea and vomiting
- hearing loss: may be unilateral or bilateral, with varying severity
- tinnitus
- preceding or concurrent symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
What are the most common pathogens that cause viral labyrinthitis?
- Herpesvirus
- Mumps
- Influenza
- Enteroviruses
What type of hearing loss is experienced in viral labyrinthitis?
sensorineural hearing loss: shown by Rinne’s test and Weber test
What eye signs are in line with the diagnosis of viral labyrinthitis?
spontaneous unidirectional horizontal nystagmus towards the unaffected side
What would be demonstrated in a head impulse test in someone with viral labyrinthitis?
abnormal head impulse test: signifies an impaired vestibulo-ocular reflex
What gait disturbance is found in a patient with viral labyrinthitis?
gait disturbance: the patient may fall towards the affected side
What is the management of viral labyrinthitis?
episodes are usually self-limiting
prochlorperazine or antihistamines may help reduce the sensation of dizziness
