Labyrinthitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Labyrinthitis (lab-i-rin-THEYE-tis) is an inflammation (swelling) of the labyrinth in the inner ear. The labyrinth is made up of small organs that help you hear and maintain your balance. The labyrinth is part of the inner ear and contains the nerve of the ear. The inner ear is filled with fluid that senses any change in the position of your head. When you move your head, the fluid also moves and stimulates the nerves in the inner ear. The nerves then send messages to the brain about your body position and motion. Labyrinthitis usually happens after a viral (germ) infection, such as mumps. Head injuries, certain medicines, or other diseases, such as a tumor in the ear, may also cause labyrinthitis.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms include vertigo (feeling that everything around you is moving or spinning), hearing loss, or tinnitus (ringing in the ears). You may also have dizziness, nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), or trouble standing up. You may need a complete health history, physical exam, and tests to diagnose labyrinthitis. Treatment may include medicines, surgery, and therapy. With treatment, further problems may be prevented and your quality of life may be improved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Self-care: You may do the following when you suddenly have signs and symptoms of labyrinthitis:

• Be calm and take slow, deep breaths.
  
  
• Do not walk without help, drive a car, or operate heavy machinery if you are feeling dizzy.
  
  
• Sit or lie down right away when you feel dizzy. Keep your head as still as possible and do not change positions quickly.
  
  
• Sudden head movements may sometimes cause dizziness. Move slowly and let yourself get used to one position before moving to another position. This is very important, especially when getting up from a lying down or sitting position.

Vestibular therapy: This is also known as vestibular and balance rehabilitation therapy (VBRT). This may be done in a special center or at home. VBRT includes movement exercises while sitting or standing. These exercises will make you dizzy, but can also help your brain adapt to the triggers that are causing your vertigo. Over time, this therapy may decrease the number of times you have vertigo and can help improve your balance. A change to a more active lifestyle may also be needed. Ask your caregiver for more information on vestibular rehabilitation.

You may feel safer if you use a 4 prong (pointed) cane or a walker when walking. To keep from falling, remove loose carpeting from the floor. Using chairs with side arms and hard cushions will make it easier to get up or out of a chair. Put grab bars on the walls beside toilets and inside showers and bathtubs. These will help you get up after using the toilet or after bathing. Grab bars will also help to keep you from falling in the shower. You may want to put a shower chair inside the shower.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You feel too drowsy or more sleepy than expected after taking your medicines.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have ear pain.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a headache, stiff neck, fever, or trouble thinking clearly.
  
  
• You have any of the following signs of dehydration (loss of body fluids):
  
  
  • Dry mouth or cracked lips.
    
    
  • Fast or an irregular heartbeat.
    
    
  • Feel very weak or tired.
    
    
  • You are losing weight without trying.
    
    
  • You are unable to urinate.
  
  
• You have blood, pus, or fluid coming out of your ears.
  
  
• You have dizzy spells that last longer than they usually do.
  
  
• You have problems eating, drinking, taking your medicines, seeing, or breathing.
  
  
• Your symptoms keep coming back or get worse.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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