Difference between labyrinthitis and Meniere's disease

Labyrinthitis is inflammation affecting the inner ear balance organs and often the hearing nerve, commonly after a viral illness. Vertigo may be strong and continuous at first, with nausea and unsteadiness; hearing loss or ringing can occur. Vestibular neuritis is similar but usually does not cause hearing loss. Meniere's disease is an inner-ear disorder marked by separate attacks of vertigo together with changing hearing, a blocked or full sensation in the ear, and ringing in the ears. Symptoms may affect one ear and vary between attacks. Other causes of dizziness can resemble either condition, so the pattern alone does not establish a diagnosis.

During vertigo, sit or lie somewhere safe, avoid driving and heights, and move your head slowly. Drink fluids if you can keep them down and have someone nearby if walking is unsafe. A GP consultation can review recent infections, medicines, neurological symptoms, and the exact pattern of attacks. A hearing test may help document one-sided or fluctuating hearing changes. Keep a record of duration, ear symptoms, vomiting, and possible triggers.

Get urgent help for sudden hearing loss, new weakness or numbness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, double vision, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, or inability to walk safely. Emergency assessment is also appropriate when vertigo begins abruptly with neurological symptoms, follows a head injury, or causes repeated vomiting and signs of dehydration.

Ask whether your symptoms fit an inner-ear disorder, whether you need a hearing test or specialist review, which medicines are suitable for nausea or vertigo, and what warning signs should prompt urgent care. Tell the clinician whether hearing changes recover between attacks.