What should you know about diagnose labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis can follow a viral illness and may cause a sudden spinning sensation, unsteadiness, nausea or vomiting. Hearing loss or ringing in one ear can occur because the inner ear supports both balance and hearing. Vestibular neuritis is a related condition affecting balance signals without the same hearing involvement.

There is no single home test that confirms the diagnosis. A clinician considers when symptoms began, whether movement triggers them, hearing changes, medicines and neurological symptoms.

Arrange a GP consultation if vertigo persists, returns or affects walking. Note the start of symptoms, duration of episodes, hearing changes, recent infection, vomiting and any new medicine. Until assessed, move slowly, sit before standing, avoid driving and reduce fall hazards. Drink fluids if you can keep them down, and use prescribed medicines only as directed.

Seek emergency help for vertigo with facial drooping, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, severe headache, fainting, chest symptoms or inability to walk safely. Sudden hearing loss, repeated vomiting or rapidly worsening symptoms also need prompt medical assessment.

Ask what findings support labyrinthitis, whether hearing or balance tests are needed, how to prevent falls, when driving is safe, and which symptoms would change the diagnosis.