Inflammation of inner ear, leading to Vertigo, Hearing Loss, or Tinnitus. Also see Vestibular Neuronitis, and Labyrinth Diseases.Encyclopedia Entry for Labyrinthitis :Labyrinthitis - aftercare. Being dizzy can cause you to lose your balance, fall, and hurt yourself. These tips can help keep symptoms from getting worse and keep you safe: When you feel dizzy, sit down right away. To get up from a lying position, slowly sit up and stay seated for a few moments before standing. When standing, make sure you have something to hold on to. Avoid sudden movements or position changes. You may need a cane or other help walking when symptoms are severe. Avoid bright lights, TV, and reading during a vertigo attack. They may make symptoms worse. Avoid activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing while you are having symptoms. If symptoms continue, ask your provider about balance therapy. Balance therapy includes head, eye, and body exercises you can do at home to help train your brain to overcome dizziness. Symptoms of labyrinthitis can cause stress. Make healthy lifestyle choices to help you cope, such as: Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. DO NOT overeat. Exercise regularly, if possible. Get enough sleep. Limit caffeine and alcohol. Help ease stress by using relaxation techniques, such as: Deep breathing Guided imagery Meditation Progressive muscle relaxation Tai chi Yoga.For some people, diet alone will not be enough. If needed, your provider may also give you: Antihistamine medicines Medicines to control nausea and vomiting Medicines to relieve dizziness Sedatives Steroids Most of these medicines may make you sleepy. So you should first take them when you do not have to drive or be alert for important tasks. You should have regular follow-up visits and lab work as suggested by your provider.Call your provider if: Symptoms of vertigo return You have new symptoms Your symptoms are getting worse You have hearing loss Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have any of the following severe symptoms: Convulsions Double vision Fainting Vomiting a lot Slurred speech Vertigo that occurs with a fever of more than 101 F (38.3 C) Weakness or paralysis.Bacterial labyrinthitis - aftercare; Serous labyrinthitis - aftercare; Neuronitis - vestibular - aftercare; Vestibular neuronitis - aftercare; Viral neurolabyrinthitis - aftercare; Vestibular neuritis vertigo - aftercare; Labyrinthitis - dizziness - aftercare; Labyrinthitis - vertigo - aftercare.Chang AK. Dizziness and vertigo.Encyclopedia Entry for Labyrinthitis :Labyrinthitis. Labyrinthitis is usually caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria. Having a cold or flu can trigger the condition. Less often, an ear infection may lead to labyrinthitis. Other causes include allergies or certain drugs that are bad for the inner ear. Your inner ear is important for both hearing and balance. When you have labyrinthitis, the parts of your inner ear become irritated and swollen. This can make you lose your balance and cause hearing loss. These factors raise your risk for labyrinthitis: Drinking large amounts of alcohol Fatigue History of allergies Recent viral illness, respiratory infection , or ear infection Smoking Stress Using certain prescription or nonprescription drugs (such as aspirin).Symptoms may include any of the following: Feeling like you are spinning, even when you are still ( vertigo ). Your eyes moving on their own, making it hard to focus them. Dizziness. Hearing loss in one ear. Loss of balance -- you may fall toward one side. Nausea and vomiting. Ringing or other noises in your ears ( tinnitus ).Your health care provider may give you a physical exam. You may also have tests of your nervous system (neurological exam). Tests can rule out other causes of your symptoms. These may include: EEG (measures the electrical activity of the brain) Electronystagmography , and warming and cooling the inner ear with air or water to test eye reflexes ( caloric stimulation ) Head CT scan Hearing test MRI of the head.Labyrinthitis usually goes away within a few weeks. Treatment can help reduce vertigo and other symptoms. Medicines that may help include: Antihistamines Medicines to control nausea and vomiting, such as prochlorperazine Medicines to relieve dizziness, such as meclizine or scopolamine Sedatives, such as diazepam (Valium) Corticosteroids Antiviral medicines If you have severe vomiting, you may be admitted to the hospital. Follow your health care provider instructions about taking care of yourself at home. Doing these things can help you manage vertigo: Stay still and rest. Avoid sudden movements or position changes. Rest during severe episodes. Slowly resume activity. You may need help walking when you lose your balance during attacks. Avoid bright lights, TV, and reading during attacks. Ask your provider about balance therapy. This may help once nausea and vomiting have passed. You should avoid the following for 1 week after symptoms disappear: Driving Operating heavy machinery Climbing A sudden dizzy spell during these activities can be dangerous.It takes time for labyrinthitis symptoms to go away completely. Severe symptoms usually go away within a week. Most people are completely better within 2 to 3 months. Older adults are more likely to have dizziness that lasts longer. In very rare cases, hearing loss is permanent.People with severe vertigo may get dehydrated due to frequent vomiting.Call your provider if: You have dizziness, vertigo, loss of balance, or other symptoms of labyrinthitis You have hearing loss Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have any of the following severe symptoms: Convulsions Double vision Fainting Vomiting a lot Slurred speech Vertigo that occurs with a fever of more than 101 F (38.3 C) Weakness or paralysis.There is no known way to prevent labyrinthitis.Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitis; Neuronitis - vestibular; Vestibular neuronitis; Viral neurolabyrinthitis; Vestibular neuritis; Labyrinthitis - vertigo: Labyrinthitis - dizziness; Labyrinthitis - vertigo; Labyrinthitis - hearing loss.Ear anatomy Ear anatomy.Baloh RW, Jen JC. Hearing and equilibrium.