Clinical meaning
Labyrinthitis is acute inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth affecting both the vestibular and cochlear structures, causing sudden onset of persistent vertigo with associated hearing loss. When only the vestibular nerve is involved without cochlear symptoms, the condition is termed vestibular neuritis. Most cases follow viral upper respiratory infections (influenza, varicella, measles, mumps), with viruses causing direct inflammation of the membranous labyrinth or the vestibular nerve. Bacterial labyrinthitis is less common but more dangerous, often arising from otitis media or meningitis spreading to the inner ear. The nurse monitors the patient's symptoms, administers prescribed medications, maintains safety during the acute phase, and reports any changes or new neurological symptoms.
Exam relevance
Risk factors: - Recent viral upper respiratory infection - History of chickenpox, flu, measles, or mumps - Otitis media (risk for bacterial labyrinthitis) - Bacterial meningitis - Cholesteatoma - Immunocompromised state - Smoking - Excessive alcohol use