Feeling dizzy or losing your balance can be a terrifying experience that can prevent you from doing all that you want to do, whether that’s running around the yard with your grandchildren, going for an evening stroll, or trying a new class at the Cecil Recreation Complex.
There are many causes of dizziness, with one common cause being an inner ear infection, known as labyrinthitis.
Inner Ear and Balance Connection
The inner ear or labyrinth consists of two main parts. The cochlea is a small, snail-shaped structure filled with fluid and nerve endings responsible for sending sound signals to the brain. The vestibular system provides a sense of balance and information about body position.
When an infection occurs these structures get inflamed which disrupts the flow of sensory information from the ear to the brain, causing dizziness, vertigo, and sometimes hearing loss. Other symptoms include:
- Tinnitus
- Nausea
- Loss of balance
- Hearing/vision problems
Causes
The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral infection that spreads to the ear, like a common cold or flu. However, it can also be a bacterial infection, referred to as either serous labyrinthitis or suppurative labyrinthitis.
Serous labyrinthitis is more common and is associated with milder symptoms. It is often a result of frequent middle ear infections causing a buildup of fluid that progresses from the middle ear to the inner ear.
Suppurative labyrinthitis is when bacteria from an infection in the middle ear or cerebrospinal fluid (such as in the case of meningitis) directly invades the inner ear. Symptoms can include severe vertigo, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus), and hearing loss.
Diagnosing and Treating Inner Ear Infections
While there is no one test to diagnose labyrinthitis, your physician will conduct a comprehensive examination to rule out other causes of dizziness and other symptoms such as brain tumor, stroke, head injury, or Meniere’s disease. Once an accurate diagnosis is reached treatment will depend on the type of infection and severity of symptoms and may include:
- Antibiotics if caused by a bacterial infection
- OTC or prescription strength antihistamines for nausea and dizziness
- Corticosteroids or sedatives for more severe symptoms
If treated, most people will recover and be fully symptom-free within a few weeks. For some, it becomes a chronic condition that lasts months and may require additional testing and treatment. If problems in hearing remain your audiologist may recommend hearing aids or tinnitus management.
For chronic dizziness and balance problems, evaluation by a physical therapist and rehabilitation exercises will likely be prescribed. Common exercises include:
- Moving the eyes up and down and side to side
- Bending the head back and forward and side to side
- Catching and throwing a ball
- Walking up and down an incline
For more information about labyrinthitis or to talk to a balance expert, call The McCoy Institute of Hearing & Balance today.
