Meniere's disease or labyrinthitis?

Labyrinthitis is inflammation affecting the inner ear and may follow a viral illness such as a common cold. It can cause sudden vertigo, unsteadiness, nausea, and sometimes hearing symptoms or ringing. Symptoms may be intense at the beginning and then gradually settle, although recovery varies.

Meniere's disease is a recurring inner-ear disorder linked with fluid regulation. Episodes often include vertigo with fluctuating hearing, ringing, or pressure in the ear. Because symptoms overlap, vertigo alone cannot identify which condition is present.

Rest during severe dizziness, move carefully, and avoid driving, heights, and machinery while balance is affected. Keep fluids down if possible and follow any prescribed treatment. Arrange a GP consultation for new vertigo, hearing change, persistent ringing, or symptoms after an illness. Note the start, duration, triggers, and ear symptoms to help the clinician assess the pattern.

Seek emergency help for facial weakness, speech trouble, one-sided weakness or numbness, fainting, severe new headache, chest pain, or inability to walk safely. Sudden hearing loss, repeated vomiting, or vertigo after a head injury also needs prompt assessment. These features may signal a problem beyond an inner-ear infection.

Ask whether your symptoms fit labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease, or another balance disorder; whether hearing should be tested; and what recovery signs or worsening symptoms should lead to review.