User:Mr. Ibrahem/Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis, also known as vestibular neuritis, is a type of dysfunction of the inner ear. Symptoms may include feeling like the world is spinning, vomiting, and ringing in the ears. The feeling of world spinning is usually constant; while the presence of hearing loss is variable. Onset is generally sudden. While symptoms may improve after a few days; they may require six weeks or longer to resolve fully.

The cause is believed to be due to a viral infection, such as that associated with the common cold. While labyrinthitis involves inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear and vestibular neuritis the vestibular nerve in the inner ear; both result in similar symptoms and the terms are generally used interchangeably. Diagnosis is based on symptoms. It is a type of peripheral vestibular disorder (balance disorder).

Treatment may involve the use of antihistamines, such as dimenhydrinate, for a few days. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy has been shown to be useful. Steroids, such as methylprednisolone, may improve recovery if used within three days of onset. Antiviral medication have not bee found to be useful. While most people recover fully, some older people may have ongoing dizziness that lasts months. Recurrent episodes are uncommon.

About 3 to 4 per 100,000 people are affected per year. It may occur at any age; though those 30 to 60 years old are most common affected. The condition was first described in the medical literature in 1909 by Ruttin.