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[email protected] · WWW.VESTIBULAR.ORG Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis Infections of the Inner Ear By Charlotte L. Shupert, PhD with contributions from Bridget Kulick, PT and the Vestibular Disorders Association Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are Infections of the inner ear are usually disorders resulting from an infection that viral; less commonly, the cause is inflames the inner ear or the nerves bacterial. Such inner ear infections are connecting the inner ear to the brain. This not the same as middle ear infections, inflammation disrupts the transmission of which are the type of bacterial infections sensory information from the ear to the common in childhood affecting the area brain. Vertigo, dizziness, and difficulties around the eardrum. with balance, vision, or hearing may result. Inner ear structure and function The inner ear consists of a system of fluid-filled tubes and sacs (see diagram © Vestibular Disorders Association ◦ www.vestibular.org ◦ Page 1 of 6 on page 2) called the labyrinth. The Labyrinthitis (inflammation of the labyrinth serves two functions: hearing labyrinth) occurs when an infection and balance. affects both branches of the vestibulo- cochlear nerve, resulting in hearing The hearing function involves the cochlea, changes as well as dizziness or vertigo. a snail-shaped tube filled with fluid and sensitive nerve endings that transmit Bacterial and viral infections sound signals to the brain. Inner ear infections that cause vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis are usually viral The balance function involves the rather than bacterial. Although the vestibular organs. Fluid and hair cells in symptoms of bacterial and viral infections the three loop-shaped semicircular canals may be similar, the treatments are very and the sac-shaped utricle and saccule different, so proper diagnosis by a provide the brain with information about physician is essential.