The Cause of Labyrinthitis, Symptoms & Treatment

Labyrinthitis (otitis interna) is an inflammation of the part of the inner ear responsible for balance (the labyrinth). A viral infection is usually the cause of labyrinthitis (possibly in the course of mumps or flu), although it may be the result of infection spreading through the bone from middle ear infection. Infection may also reach the inner ear (via the bloodstream) from somewhere else in the body. Less commonly, a bacterial labyrinthitis results from a head injury. In labyrinthitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled chambers (labyrinth) of the inner ear causes disruption of the individual’s sense of balance. As well as vertigo, labyrinthitis may cause nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (abnormal, jerky movements of the eyes), tinnitus, and hearing loss.

CAUTION
Untreated bacterial labyrinthitis may lead to permanent deafness, or spread to cause meningitis.

Symptoms
• a spinning sensation
• unsteadiness, faintness, and possibly falling
• partial deafness
• ringing or hissing in the ears (see Tinnitus)

TREATMENT 

Chinese Herbalism 
Fresh ginger, cinnamon twigs, and peppermint will help with the dizziness. Mulberry can be taken to nourish the Blood.

Herbalism 
Treatment to boost the immune system, including echinacea, would be appropriate. Ginger root, candied or chewed raw, will help to ease the nausea. Try Chinese angelica, which can restore energy, stimulate white blood cells and the formation of antibodies to fight infection. Licorice helps recovery, stimulating formation and efficiency of white blood cells and antibodies.

Homeopathy 
Conium, for dizziness which worsens when lying down. Belladonna, for a feeling of fullness in the ear, worsened by moving around. Nat. mur., for symptoms accompanied by a headache and sometimes by constipation. Phosphorus, when dizziness is made worse by looking down. Gelsemium, when you feel weak and trembling. Calcarea, when an attack of dizziness is made worse by looking up.