While driving 6 months ago, I felt I was not focusing properly followed
by a response to slow down. The following day, I drove again only to
find myself driving slowly accompanied by symptoms of motion sickness. A
few days later a fullness developed in my left ear. My symptoms
increased to the point where pushing a shopping cart caused a reaction
of wanting to stop and almost fainting. GP diagnosed labyrinthitis and
ENT diagnosed vertigo. Symptoms increased to point where I had to force
myself to continue walking to overcome feeling of wanting to stop.
Meclizine and probanthine to help dry out the ear have not helped
overcome the motion intolerance symptoms. Also, I have not been able to
drive and still experience motion symptoms as a passenger. This
condition is preventing me from working. Please advise.
> >
Reply: ------------------
First of all, vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Vertigo is the term used to describe dizziness that is associated with some sensation of movement - typically a sense of whirling or spinning. Labyrinthitis is a condition which affects the inner ear and causes vertigo. I have previously discussed the usual symptoms and course of labyrinthitis - please refer to the "review" section of the ENT clinic for more information. Suffice it to say though that labyrinthitis does not last for 6 months. The acute and most severe symptoms of labyrinthitis usually last for 1-3 days. These are followed by less severe symptoms that may last for 4-6 weeks. The acute phase symptoms are usually fairly abrupt and severe, typically associated with nausea and vomiting or in other words, fairly incapacitating symptoms. Your description of the symptoms you have experienced as well as the length of time they have lasted, is not consistent with a diagnosis of labyrinthitis. However, the symptoms you have described might be consider a type of vertigo in that a sensation of movement is present. Most commonly, the symptom of vertigo is related to a condition affecting the inner ear. Less commonly a problem in the portions of the brain known as the cerebellum or brain stem may cause vertigo. However, brain stem or cerebellar conditions will usually be associated with a number of other neurological problems in addition to vertigo, including possible speech and swallowing problems. Even if vertigo is an isolated symptom, if it has lasted for the time you mentioned (6 months), I would strongly advise returning to see the ENT specialist for a more detailed and thorough evaluation. Occasionally chronic vertigo which fails to improve with the usual treatment measures may warrant a consultation with a type of ENT physician who deals only with ear problems and is known as an otologist or neuro-otologist.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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