Labyrinthitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Ear anatomy

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Labyrinthitis

Definition:

Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder characterized by inflammation (irritation and swelling with presence of extra immune cells) of the canals of the inner ear (semicircular canals, labyrinth), which causes dizziness.

Alternative Names:

Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of labyrinthitis is unknown, but because it commonly occurs following otitis media (ear infection) or an upper respiratory infection (URI), it is thought to be a consequence of viral or bacterial infection. It may also follow allergy, cholesteatoma, or the ingestion of certain drugs that are toxic to the inner ear.

The semicircular canals of the inner ear (labyrinth) become inflamed. This disrupts their function, including the regulation of balance. Risk factors include the following:

recent viral illness, respiratory infection, or ear infection
use of prescription or nonprescription drugs (especially aspirin)
stress
fatigue
a history of allergy, smoking, or heavy alcohol consumption.

Review Date: 7/8/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin Fung, MD, FRCS(C), Department of Otolaryngology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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