LABYRINTHITIS (Inner-Ear Disorder) |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Inflammation of the inner ear. Because dizziness is the main symptom of labyrinthitis, this problem can impair performance in any sport until it clears.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Extreme dizziness with head movement-- especially in people over 40 who may have hardening of the arteries in the neck (athero- sclerosis). Exercises that exaggerate head, neck and trunk movements can cause kinking or narrowing of these arteries. The dizziness begins gradually and peaks in 48 hours.
Involuntary eye movement.
Nausea and vomiting.
Loss of balance, especially falling toward the affected side.
Temporary hearing loss.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Virus infection (usually) in the inner ear.
Other recent viral illness, especially respiratory infection.
Bacterial infection in the inner ear.
Spread of a chronic middle-ear infection.
Head injury.
Heavy exercise in hot weather, causing dehydration or electrolyte imbalance from excessive sweating.
Stress, fatigue or overwork.
Use of medication or toxic drugs, including aspirin.
Allergy or family history of allergies.
Cholesteatoma (an accumulation of debris covered by skin in the outer-ear canal).
Exaggerated head, neck or trunk movements in people with hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Transient ischemic attacks due to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Heart-rhythm irregularity.
Bleeding or tumor inside the brain.
Anemia.
Smoking.
Excess alcohol consumption.
HOW TO PREVENT
Obtain prompt medical treatment for ear infections.
Don't take medication that has produced dizziness without consulting your doctor.
Follow all preventive measures for hardening of the arteries recommended by the American Heart Association:
Low-fat, low-salt, high-fiber diet.
Stress reduction.
Regular exercise.
No smoking.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Audiometry (See Glossary).
Skull X-rays.
CAT scan (See Glossary).
SURGERYSometimes necessary to open arteries in the neck, if labyrinthitis is caused by decreased blood flow from atherosclerosis.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Recovery --either spontaneous or with treatment -- in 1 to 6 weeks.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Permanent hearing loss on the affected side.
Frequent dizziness, if due to atherosclerosis.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTSee your doctor for diagnosis and possible prescription of medications. Hearing tests may be required.
HOME TREATMENTNo specific instructions except those listed under other headings.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
Antinausea medications.
Tranquilizers such as diazepam to reduce dizziness.
Diuretics to decrease fluid accumulation in the inner ear.
Antibiotics to fight bacterial infection.
ACTIVITYKeep the head as still as possible. Rest in bed until dizziness subsides. Then resume your normal activities gradually. Avoid heavy exercise, competition or hazardous activities, such as driving, climbing or working around dangerous machinery, until 1 week after symptoms disappear.
DIETNo special diet, but decrease salt and fluid intake until you resume your usual activity.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You get dizzy for more than 1 or 2 minutes.
The following occurs during treatment:
Decreased hearing in either ear.
Persistent vomiting.
Convulsions.
Fainting.
Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher.
New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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