Balance and Vestibular Program

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuronitis

Overview

• Labyrinthitis is an irritation or infection of the inner ear, which may follow an upper respiratory tract infection.
  
  Labyrinthitis usually causes a relatively sudden onset of hearing loss in one ear, along with symptoms of severe dizziness or vertigo (sensation that one’s surroundings are spinning). The vertigo usually lasts for several days, then gradually improves. The hearing loss may or may not improve.

• Vestibular neuronitis is an irritation or infection of the nerve that connects the balance organs of the inner ear with the brain. It is very similar to labyrinthitis, but does not affect hearing.

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches labyrinthitis and vestibular neuronitis

We diagnose labyrinthitis and vestibular neuronitis by the combination of an onset of symptoms that fit the typical course of one of these disorders, as well as a series of tests that evaluate hearing and vestibular/balance function.

The most useful tests are called rotational testing and caloric testing. The hearing test, as well as all of the vestibular/balance tests, can be done right here at our Balance Program.

The initial severe vertigo from labyrinthitis and vestibular neuronitis can be treated with medications, such as meclizine. If the damage from labyrinthitis and vestibular neuronitis becomes permanent, then the treatment usually centers around "retraining" the normal balance organs on the other side of the head to fill the role of the damaged balance organs.

This process can be helped by exercises that are done under the supervision of a specially-trained physical therapist.