1. Labyrinthitis

2. Labyrinthitis is swelling and inflammation of the labyrinth, part of the inner ear that helps to control balance.
It is a form of unilateral vestibular dysfunction.
Labyrinth houses vestibular system which senses changes in head position.

3. Causes
Viral infections
Bacterial infection
Head injury
Extreme stress
Allergy
Reaction to medication
Risk factors – alcohol, history of allergy, smoking, respiratory infection, stress.

4. Signs and symptoms
Vertigo – is a subtype of dizziness in which patient inappropriately experiences the perception of motions (spinning motion) due to dysfunction of the vestibular system
Nystagmus –irregular involuntary movement of the eyeball
Nausea and Vomiting, tinnitus
General ill feeling and anxiety
Hearing loss in one ear
Loss of balance and Dizziness

5. History
P.E
EEG
ELECTRO NYSTAGMOGRAPHY – eye movements to know the functioning of acostic and occulomotor nerve. 90 mins.
CT – HEAD
AUDIOMETRY
MRI

6. TREATMENT
It usually subsides within few weeks
Treatment helps to reduce vertigo and other symptoms
Medicines
Antihistamines – for allergy
Control nausea and vomiting – prochlorperazine (dopamine receptor antagonist)
Relieve dizziness – meclizine (antiemetic and antihistamine)
Sedatives – diazepam (valium)
Steroids - prednisone

7. Manage vertigo
Stay still and take proper rest
Avoid sudden movements or position change
Slowly resume activity
Avoid bright lights
Avoid driving, climbing
Avoid alcohol intake and smoking

8. Habituation exercises – brandt daroff exercises
Upright position – lie down to one side while the head should hold in a 45 degree angle – sit back after 30 sec – do the next side .
Functional retraining – postural control and balance training.