What is Labyrinthitis and Will it Ever Go Away?

Anyone who has ever had labyrinthitis knows that it is not fun and it seems like it will never go away. I have been dealing with the condition for a few weeks now. One minute I was fine, the next minute I was in the ER feeling like I was dying. Since then, I have felt better but one thing I have learned is to not let my body fool me. Just as sudden as the symptoms first appeared, they can show back up. I can be sitting here feeling fine when suddenly I feel like I am going to pass out. Labyrinthitis is anything but fun.

Although I knew what labyrinthitis was prior to being diagnosed, I wasn't too familiar with it. I never knew anyone who had the condition nor do I have any clinical experience with it. I have since been prompted to read more about it and learn about other people's experiences, mainly because I am beginning to wonder if it will ever go away.

Labyrinthitis is a broad term used to describe inflammation of the labyrinth. The term is also used to refer to other causes of inner ear problems that produce similar symptoms but no cause can be found. The labyrinth is an inner ear structure located in thick bone near the base of your skull. As the name suggests, the labyrinth is a maze of several interconnected fluid-filled channels and canals. The labyrinth includes parts of the auditory system as well as the vestibular system. The vestibule region is responsible for sending information to the brain in regard to the position and movement of the head. The brain then receives, interprets, and processes the information from the vestibular system as well as other cues such as vision. This is essentially how balance is controlled within the body.

Most often, the exact cause of labyrinthitis cannot be determined. The condition can follow a viral upper respiratory infection such as a cold. Either the viruses themselves or the immune system's response to the viruses is believed to cause inflammation resulting in labyrinthitis. Other causes include trauma or injury to the head or ear, bacterial infections, allergies, alcohol abuse, smoking, stress, fatigue, and certain medications.