Vestibular neuritis (or vestibular neuronitis) and labyrinthitis are disorders that result in inflammation of the inner ear and the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain. Generally caused by a viral infection, they cause vertigo (usually experienced as a spinning sensation), dizziness, imbalance, unsteadiness and sometimes problems with vision or hearing.
In a healthy balance system, the brain combines messages sent by the balance control systems in both ears, but if one side is affected, the messages from that side are distorted, causing symptoms of dizziness and vertigo.
Symptoms of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
Symptoms of vestibular neuritis include a sudden onset of a constant, intense spinning sensation that is usually disabling and requires bed rest. It is often also linked with nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, imbalance, difficulty with vision and the inability to concentrate.
While neuritis affects only the inner ear balance apparatus, labyrinthitis also affects the inner ear hearing apparatus and the cochlear nerve, which transmits hearing information. This means that labyrinthitis may cause hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Causes of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
The most common causes of vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are viral infections, often resulting from a systemic virus such as influenza (‘the flu’) or the herpes viruses, which cause chickenpox, shingles and cold sores. Bacterial labyrinthitis can start from an untreated middle ear infection, or in rare cases, as a result of meningitis.
The infections that cause vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis may resolve without treatment within a few weeks. However, if the inner ear is permanently damaged by the infection and the brain does not adequately compensate, symptoms can develop into chronic dizziness, fatigue, disorientation, as well as tinnitus and hearing loss (if labyrinthitis is the cause).
Diagnosis of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
Your condition can be diagnosed based on your medical history, answers to questions about the initial onset of the symptoms and your current symptoms, a physical examination and possibly the results of tests carried out by an audiologist, including a hearing test.
Treatment for labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
The treatment of labyrinthitis depends on the likely cause. If symptoms persist, a specialist physiotherapist can use vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain the brain to interpret the distorted balance messages being transmitted from the damaged inner ear.
Vestibular neuritis can be treated with corticosteroids (a type of anti-inflammatory medication) in the early stages, and, if necessary, with medication to reduce nausea and vertigo.
Self-care at home for labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis
If your treatment involves vestibular rehabilitation exercises, it is important to continue the exercises at home for as long as you are advised to by your specialist or balance physiotherapist.
It is vital to keep moving, despite dizziness or imbalance, even though sitting or lying may be more comfortable. The aim is to return to your previous activity, work or sport, which helps you adapt to the symptoms and allows your balance system to function normally.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Balance and Hearing Centre Tel. 9662 2221
Content Partner
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH)
Last updated:
November 2014
Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health & Human Services shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.