Labyrinthitis

Background

• Infection of cochlear and vestibular apparatus (from middle ear via round/oval windows)
• Acute suppurative labyrinthitis is only cause of peripheral vertigo requiring urgent tx

Clinical Features

• Peripheral vertigo + hearing loss + middle ear findings
  • Severity depends on type of labyrinthitis:
    • Acute suppurative labyrinthitis
      • Caused by extension of infection from otitis media, meningitis, mastoiditis
      • Signs of toxicity
    • Serous labyrinthitis
      • Caused by inflammatory respones to nearby infections (including viral)
      • Clinical course similar to Vestibular Neuronitis (Neuronitis)

Treatment

• Suppurative form requires abx

Disposition

• Suppurative form require admission for definitive ENT treatment

Source

Tintinalli