16 Best Labyrinthitis Doctors near Somamukhi Panchanantala Road, Kolkata

It is inflammation of the inner ear or nerves that connect the inner ear and brain. It can occur due to bacterial or viral infections. Depending on early diagnosis and treatment with antihistaminics like meclizine and promethazine, antibiotics, corticosteroids, etc., the risk of permanent damage is reduced to make a complete recovery. However, severe conditions result in permanent ear damage.

Studies have shown that swimming can affect the vestibular system making the condition more severe. Vertigo can occur when cold water enters a person's ears causing reflex activity in semicircular canals of the labyrinth. Hence, swimming can worsen a patient's condition if he or she is suffering from labyrinthitis.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialised form of exercise-based physical therapy which is referred to those who are diagnosed with imbalance, posture, vision problems, dizziness-related problems, Meniere's syndrome and vertigo. It can also be used with behavioural therapy to reduce anxiety and depression.

Labyrinthitis patients usually feel better within one week and can sit up, and within two weeks, vertigo and dizziness start to vanish. It takes one to two months for acute episodes to end. Although permanent damage may remain in some cases, complete recovery from viral labyrinthitis is possible.

It is diagnosed based on symptoms which include hearing loss, headache, ear ringing, ear pain, blurred/double vision, fainting, etc. Some of these are symptoms common with other disease conditions like Meniere's disease, migraine, small stroke, and hence can be confused with them. So tests like blood test, hearing test, CT or MRI scan, electroencephalogram and electronystagmogram are suggested.