Hello,
I have been diagnosed with labrynthitis. The first indication I had was when at work I felt an unnerving dizziness for about 10 seconds I stayed calm and it passed only to return again for another 10seconds. This too passed. I was then sitting at my desk about 2 hrs. later and a severe bout of vertigo started[I had no control over my head,if I moved it to my chest and back to look at the ceiling it felt like it was moving at 100miles an hour! also the same sensation moving my head left to right.] I then got up and stepped outside to get some fresh air. When I looked down to the ground [about 15'below] objects were moving that I new were stationary.I left work and immediatly went to my doctor. I relayed my symptoms to him and he had me follow his finger with my eyes,which was difficult, he then took my head in his hands and turned it left to right and the same sensation that I described earlier happened again. My doctor instantly said I have Labrynthitis and put me on an IV of diuretics. He then prescribed amoxicillin and meclizine.I am now into my third day of this problem and I am beginning to wonder if it ever going to go away!I feel like I'm going insane. The only relief I have noticed is if lying down the symptoms go away now.The first and second day there was no relief even lying down. I couldnt even watch tv because my eyes could not focus in on something they would bounce. That has also subsided. How long is this going to last? Will it ever go away? can this be a chronic problem? should I see an ENT?How do I know for sure what this problem is?
Thanks for your help,
Reply: ----------------------
Vertigo is a symptom in which one experiences the sensation of movement. Often the sensation is that of whirling. Vertigo is commonly caused by conditions of the inner ear but may also be caused by disorders of the central nervous system. The initial evaluation of the acute onset of vertigo requires an assessment of the nervous system in general.
Acute labyrinthitis is an inner ear condition most frequently felt to be related to an upper respiratory infection. Typically one experiences whirling vertigo that may last for several days and is often associated with nausea and vomiting. There may be an associated visual disturbance which is associated with nystagmus. A careful visual assessment however should reveal no significant changes in actual visual acuity. There should be no other neurologic symptoms or findings.
The most severe symptoms occur during the first several days and then subside. However, there usually is a period of 3-6 weeks, and occasionally longer, where there are less severe symptoms of dysequilibrium which is commonly triggered by head movement.
The treatment of labyrinthitis initially includes fluids and sedation. At its onset, intravenous fluids and medication may be necessary. Meclizine or valium-like medications are often used over the next several weeks until dysequilibrium completely subsides.
Based on the information you have provided there is no reason to expect that this will be a chronic or frequently recurrent problem for you particularly if you have never experienced it before.
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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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