Labyrinthitis

What are these conditions?

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are types of inner ear infections that affect your balance. They have very similar names and symptoms, but they affect slightly different parts of your inner ear.

Think of your inner ear as containing tiny parts that help you stay balanced and hear properly. When these parts get inflamed (swollen), you feel dizzy and unsteady.

What's the difference between them?

Labyrinthitis affects the labyrinth - a maze-like part of your inner ear filled with fluid that helps with balance and hearing.

Vestibular neuritis affects the vestibular nerve - the nerve that sends balance messages from your ear to your brain.

The key difference is simple: if your hearing is affected too, it's likely labyrinthitis. If only your balance is affected, it's probably vestibular neuritis.

What symptoms might you notice?

The main symptoms include:

• Dizziness or feeling like everything around you is spinning
• Feeling unsteady on your feet - you might struggle to walk in a straight line
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Hearing loss (only with labyrinthitis)
• Ringing in your ears (only with labyrinthitis)

These symptoms can start suddenly - sometimes you might wake up with them. They often get worse during the day but usually begin to ease after a few days.

How long does it last?

Most people get their balance back within 2 to 6 weeks, though it can sometimes take longer. The good news is that these conditions usually get better on their own without any special treatment.

What can you do to help yourself?

Do:

• Lie still in a dark room when you feel very dizzy
• Drink plenty of water if you're being sick - take small sips often
• Avoid bright lights and loud noises
• Get enough sleep - being tired makes symptoms worse
• Start going for short walks as soon as you can manage it
• Focus your eyes on something still when you're out, rather than looking around

Don't:

• Drive, cycle, or use tools or machinery while feeling dizzy
• Drink alcohol - it makes symptoms worse

When should you speak to your GP?

You should see your GP if:

• Your symptoms don't get better after a few days
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• You've been diagnosed and treated but aren't improving after a week

When do you need urgent help?

Get urgent help from your GP or call NHS 111 if you suddenly lose hearing in one ear. This needs checking quickly and you may need to see a specialist.

What treatment might your GP offer?

Your GP might prescribe antihistamines or travel sickness tablets for up to 3 days. Don't take them longer as they can slow your recovery.

These conditions are usually caused by viral infections (like colds or flu), so antibiotics won't help unless your GP thinks it's a bacterial infection.

What if balance problems continue?

If balance problems last for months, your GP can refer you to a specialist for vestibular rehabilitation - special exercises that help restore your balance.

Remember, while these conditions feel awful when you have them, they do get better with time.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.