What is "labyrinthitis"

n. (context pathology English) inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear

n. inflammation of the inner ear; can cause vertigo and vomiting [syn: otitis interna]

Labyrinthitis, also known as vestibular neuritis, is inflammation of the inner ear. It results in vertigo and also possible hearing loss or ringing in the ears. It can occur as a single attack, a series of attacks, or a persistent condition that diminishes over three to six weeks. It may be associated with nausea, vomiting. Vestibular neuronitis may also be associated with eye nystagmus.

The cause is often not clear. It may be due to a virus, but it can also arise from bacterial infection, head injury, extreme stress, an allergy, or as a reaction to medication. 30% of affected people had a common cold prior to developing the disease. Either bacterial or viral labyrinthitis can cause permanent hearing loss in rare cases. This appears to result from an imbalance of neuronal input between the left and right inner ears.

Vestibular neuritis affects approximately 3.5 per 100,000 people per year. The typical age of onset is between 30 and 60 years, and the age distribution plateau is between 40 and 50 years. There is no significant gender difference. It derives its name from the labyrinths that house the vestibular system, which senses changes in head position.