Mild headaches and ear pain may also occur. You may also find that fluid or even pus is leaking from your ear cavity. In certain cases, sufferers may also experience changes to their vision. These changes may appear as blurred vision or even double vision.
Can inner ear infection affect vision?
Infections of the Inner Ear
This inflammation disrupts the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain. Vertigo, dizziness, and difficulties with balance, vision, or hearing may result. Infections of the inner ear are usually viral; less commonly, the cause is bacterial.
Can labyrinthitis cause eye problems?
Generally caused by a viral infection, these conditions cause vertigo (usually experienced as a spinning sensation), dizziness, imbalance, unsteadiness, and sometimes
problems with vision or hearing
.
Can ear problems affect your eyes?
Inner-ear problems cause diverse symptoms such as
vertigo, nausea and blurred vision
.
Can labyrinthitis cause permanent damage?
In rare cases,
labyrinthitis causes lasting (permanent) damage to the eighth cranial nerve
. This can cause lasting problems with balance, and part or total hearing loss. You might need to use a hearing aid. Get treatment right away to help reduce your risk for these complications.
What is the fastest way to get rid of labyrinthitis?
A person can take
over-the-counter antihistamines
to ease some of the symptoms of viral labyrinthitis, such as nausea or dizziness. Stronger antihistamines, such as meclizine or promethazine, are available on prescription. A doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids or sedatives for people with more severe symptoms.
What does inner ear infection feel like?
Symptoms of Inner Ear Infection
Vertigo, a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving around even when everything is still. Having trouble balancing or walking normally.
Dizziness
.
Nausea or vomiting
.
What should I avoid with labyrinthitis?
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. Drink water, especially if you have nausea and vomiting.
Can labyrinthitis last for years?
This can last a long time –
weeks or even months
. It can make you more likely to fall over. Sometimes, labyrinthitis can cause permanent hearing loss. It can also cause lasting damage to the balance system in your inner ear.
How can you tell the difference between BPPV and labyrinthitis?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. Unlike labyrinthitis, BPPV is episodic, with severe symptoms lasting <1 minute. BPPV is
diagnosed using the Dix-Hallpike maneuver
. Unlike labyrinthitis, it is not associated with hearing loss.
What triggers 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 medicines that are bad for the inner ear.
Can fluid in ears cause blurred vision?
Ringing in the ear (
tinnitus
) Discharge from the ear. Blurred or double vision.
Does labyrinthitis go away on its own?
Most of the time,
labyrinthitis goes away on its own
. This often takes several weeks. If the problem is caused by bacteria, your doctor will give you antibiotics. But most cases are caused by a virus.
What medication is used to treat labyrinthitis?
Medications may be indicated in persons with viral labyrinthitis to treat the symptoms of vertigo and nausea/vomiting. These medications include
benzodiazepines and antiemetics
and are typically used for a few days, until symptoms are relieved. (Avoid scopolamine, or use with extreme caution, in elderly patients.)
What exercises can I do for labyrinthitis?
- Start in an upright, seated position.
- Move into the lying position on one side with your nose pointed up at about a 45-degree angle.
- Remain in this position for about 30 seconds (or until the vertigo subsides, whichever is longer). Then move back to the seated position.
- Repeat on the other side.
Does ibuprofen help labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis treatment
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (also called NSAIDs) are sometimes used
to reduce swelling
. These include ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (one brand name: Aleve). Steroid medicines are another option to reduce swelling.
