Labyrinthitis can be caused by any situation that promotes inflammation of the ear, such as infections caused by viruses or bacteria, and its onset is often linked to colds and flu, and can also happen due to the use of some medications or as a result of emotional situations, such as excessive stress and anxiety, for example.
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of an internal structure of the ear, the labyrinth, which is responsible for hearing and body balance, causing symptoms such as dizziness, dizziness, nausea and malaise, especially in the elderly. See how to identify labyrinthitis.
Main causes
Any situation that causes inflammation of the ear can cause labyrinthitis and it is important that the cause is identified so that the treatment is more targeted. The main causes of labyrinthitis are:
- Viral infections, such as flu, colds, mumps, measles and glandular fever; Bacterial infections, such as meningitis; Allergies; Use of medications that can affect the ear, such as aspirin and antibiotics; Diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and thyroid problems; Head trauma; Brain tumor; Neurological diseases; Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction; Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, coffee and cigarettes.
When labyrinthitis happens as a consequence of stress and anxiety, it is called emotional labyrinthitis, which is characterized by alterations in balance, dizziness and headache that worsens when very sudden movements are made with the head. Learn more about emotional labyrinthitis.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of labyrinthitis is made by the otorhinolaryngologist through a clinical examination in which the presence of signs indicating inflammation in the ear is evaluated. In addition, the doctor may recommend audiometry to check for hearing loss, which is common for people who have labyrinthitis.
It is also possible that the doctor performs some tests to check how the person feels when some movements are made with the head, that is, if the person feels dizzy and lightheaded, thus making it possible to identify labyrinthitis. In addition, the ENT can also examine the eyes, as excessive blinking can indicate problems in the ear labyrinth, and order tests such as MRI, CT scan and electroencephalogram.
After the diagnosis, the doctor indicates the best treatment according to the cause, in addition to recommending that the person does not make very sudden movements and avoid places with a lot of noise and light. See how to prevent labyrinthitis attacks.
