Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the Inner Ear

Picture of ear anatomy and location of the labyrinth

Labyrinthitis is a problem inside the inner ear. It happens when the labyrinth, a part of the inner ear that helps control your balance, gets swollen and inflamed.

Labyrinthitis may cause sudden vertigo. This makes you feel like you're spinning or whirling, even though nothing around you is moving. Labyrinthitis may also cause hearing loss or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus).

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerBarrie J. Hurwitz, MD, MD - Neurology
Last RevisedOctober 3, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 3, 2011
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD, MD - Neurology

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