The labyrinthitis crisis occurs due to inflammation of a part of the ear, called the labyrinth, causing symptoms such as vertigo, nausea, vomiting and difficulty maintaining balance.
This inflammation, which is known as labyrinthitis, is normally caused by viral infections such as colds and flu, but can also be caused by more serious problems such as acute otitis media or meningitis, for example. Understand better what labyrinthitis is.
In the event of a labyrinthitis crisis, especially when symptoms are very intense or other symptoms such as fever, double vision or difficulty speaking appear, it is recommended to seek an emergency room for an evaluation and start the most appropriate treatment, which may involve the use of medication. such as antiemetics and antibiotics.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of the labyrinthitis crisis are:
- Vertigo, which is the feeling that the environment around you is spinning;
- Difficulty maintaining balance;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Ringing in the ear;
- Abnormal eye movements;
- Hearing loss;
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open.
These symptoms tend to appear suddenly, be intense and worsen when the person moves their head. Furthermore, when a labyrinthitis crisis occurs, it is common for the person to prefer to lie down, still, with their eyes closed.
Symptoms generally make it difficult for people to carry out their daily tasks and tend to improve within 3 days of onset.
Symptom Test
To find out the chance of having a labyrinthitis attack, select the symptoms presented in the following test:
How to confirm the diagnosis
To confirm the diagnosis of labyrinthitis or confirm a labyrinthitis crisis, it is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngologist or neurologist.
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Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and health history, and may perform an ear exam to rule out other possible causes that could cause similar symptoms. Understand better how labyrinthitis is diagnosed.
Possible causes
The labyrinthitis crisis is usually caused by viral infections such as flu and colds, which cause inflammation of a part of the ear, known as the labyrinth. However, this inflammation can also occur due to other illnesses, such as acute otitis media, meningitis, and untreated HIV or syphilis. Learn about other possible causes of labyrinthitis.
Furthermore, a labyrinthitis crisis is more common in cases of recent respiratory infections and a history of ear surgery, cholesteatoma or skull fractures, for example.
What to do in a labyrinthitis crisis
In case of a labyrinthitis crisis, it is recommended:
1. Rest
It is important to rest, avoiding walking too much or tasks that require balance and coordination, for example, so that the person does not run the risk of falling and injuring themselves due to vertigo.
Furthermore, it is also recommended to avoid sudden head movements and getting up too quickly.
2. Drink plenty of fluids
Drinking enough water is recommended in the event of a labyrinthitis attack to prevent the person from dehydrating due to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Check out some tips to avoid dehydration.
3. Eat healthy
A healthy diet, rich in nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants and fiber, such as tangerines, papaya or oranges, can help recover from a labyrinthitis crisis. Check out what the diet should be like in the event of a labyrinthitis attack.
4. Avoid alcoholic beverages or stimulants
Alcoholic or stimulant drinks, such as coffee, black tea or Coca-Cola, should be avoided in the event of a labyrinthitis attack, because when consumed in excess they can worsen symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
5. Do not perform dangerous tasks
In the event of a labyrinthitis crisis, it is important to avoid tasks that could put the person’s life or others at risk, such as driving vehicles or operating heavy machinery, if the person works in this role, due to the risk of causing accidents.
6. Avoid stress or anxiety
It is important to adopt relaxation measures, such as practicing meditation and controlling your breathing, as anxiety or stress can worsen labyrinthitis crisis symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and vertigo. See more tips for controlling anxiety.
7. Medications for labyrinthitis crisis
When symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and vertigo are very intense, medications such as antiemetics and antihistamines may be indicated to treat the labyrinthitis crisis.
Furthermore, depending on its cause, other medications may also be indicated, such as antibiotics and corticosteroids, for example. See the main treatment options in case of labyrinthitis.
When to go to the hospital
During a labyrinthitis crisis, if the symptoms are very intense, worsen or others appear, such as fever, weakness, numbness in parts of the body, drowsiness, difficulty speaking or double vision, it is recommended to seek an emergency room for an evaluation and start treatment. most appropriate.
