Hello:
Two months ago I started to feel like I would lose my balance when I moved my head quickly. My eyes seemed to be out of focus and I had a constant dull headache usually concentrated in my forehead. A few days later my husband developed similar symptoms - expect for the headache. After 2 or 3 weeks we were both feeling well. Two weeks later I started feeling the imbalance again and headache. The GP said it was a sinus infection and prescribed Augmentin. After 3 weeks with no improvement another Doctor at the office said to stop taking the Augmentin since it was probably viral. The next morning I had severe nausea, headache, and I had no balance. I went to the ER where I was diagnosed with labyrinthitis. Now, 4 days later, my ears are hurting and feel plugged and my head is pounding. My question is this: how do I know if this is viral or bacterial? Did I go off the Augmentin too soon? Will this ever go away? Thanks for any advice that you can give me.
Reply: ---------------------------
Bacterial labyrinthitis is rare and incapacitating. It usually is the result of chronic untreated infection of the ear and can quickly lead to meningitis. On the other hand, acute bacterial infections of the middle ear (otitis media) can cause labyrinthine dysfunction by a toxic effect but this is not a direct bacterial infection of the inner ear. In this case you would have typical symptoms and findings of otitis media (ear pain, hearing loss, bulging opacified tympanic membrane on examination, fever, etc) in addition to the dizziness.
Many viral disease can cause inner ear dysfunction and are by far and away the most likely cause of infectious inner ear disturbance.
The duration (2 months) and character of the symptoms you have described are not necessarily consistent with infectious labyrinthitis. I would seek the opinion of an otolaryngologist.
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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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