Labyrinthitis – What are the signs and symptoms, relevant dDx., sequelae, work up, and treatment options?

January 5, 2021 5:23 am Published by

Labyrinthitis is an acute infection of the inner ear, affecting cranial nerve VII. It can be a complication of otitis media, meningitis, or cholesteatoma.

Sn. & Sx.:

  • Unilateral hearing loss
  • Otorrhea
  • Tinnitus
  • Severe vertigo, imbalance
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Nystagmus

dDx.:

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  • Cholesteatoma
  • Acoustic neuroma
  • Vestibular neuronitis
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Ototoxic drugs

Sequelae:

  • Cochlear ossification
  • Bilateral vestibular hypofunction
  • Cholesteatoma
  • Mastoiditis
  • Meningitis

Work up:

  • Weber and Rinne test
  • Imaging (head CT)
  • Lumbar puncture

Tx.:

  • Corticosteroids
  • Drainage of the middle ear
  • IV antibiotics
  • Mastoidectomy

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This post was written by Omar Rifai