Labyrinthitis Treatment

Treatment may include:

Medications

• Antibiotics (only for bacterial infection)
• Medication to control the symptoms, including:
  • Antiemetics-to control nausea and vomiting
  • Vestibular suppressants-such as meclizine, to help control loss of balance and dizziness
  • Steroids-in limited situations, to help control inflammation
  • Anti-viral medication (eg, Acyclovir)– this may be prescribed by your physician

Note: Without antibiotic treatment, bacterial labyrinthitis can lead to permanent hearing loss or permanent problems with balance.

Self-care Measures

• Rest, lie still with your eyes closed in a darkened room during acute attacks.
• Avoid movement, especially sudden movement, as much as possible.
• Avoid reading.
• Resume normal activities gradually after the symptoms have cleared.

Emergency Treatment

In some cases, nausea and vomiting cannot be controlled. This can result in severe Dehydration, which may require hospitalization to receive intravenous fluids.

Surgery

Rarely, labyrinthitis may be due to a break in the membranes between the middle and inner ear. Surgery to repair the break may be required. If a tumor is causing the condition, surgery may also be needed.