Labyrinthitis is the inflammation or infection of the inner ear's labyrinth, often caused by viral or bacterial pathogens, with symptoms including vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ataxia. There are several types, including viral and bacterial labyrinthitis, each with varying causes and consequences. Management involves symptomatic treatment, antibiotics for bacterial cases, and supportive care to manage symptoms and ensure patient safety.

1. LABYRINTHITIS
Ms.sangeeta yadav
M.Sc. Nursing

2. • Labyrinthitis is an inflammation or infection of labyrinth of
the inner ear and can be caused by either viral or
bacterial pathogens.

3. ETIOLOGY
• Viral infection
• Common cause
• Mumps, rubella, rubella, and influenza
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Bacterial infection
• Drug toxicity
• Allergy
• Acute or chronic otitis media
• Head injury
• Herpetiform disorders of the facial and acoustic nerves
(ie, ramsay hunt syndrome).

4. TYPES
1. Viral Labyrinthitis : caused by viral infection.
2. Bacterial labyrinthitis: caused by bacterial infection
3. Serous labyrinthitis: intralabyrinthine inflammation
without pus formation. It is Reversible if treated early
4. Diffuse suppurative labyrinthitis: Diffuse pyogenic
infection of the labyrinth. Occurs when acute or chronic
otitis media spreads into the inner ear or after middle
ear or mastoid surgery. Cause Permanent loss of
vestibular and cochlear functions

5. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Bacteria or virus enters the inner ear from the middle ear,
meninges, or through bloodstream
Infection of inner ear
Destruction of soft tissue structures
Affects hearing and balance
Permanent hearing loss

6. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus
• hearing loss
• Nystagmus on the affected side
• Pain
• Fever
• Ataxia
• nausea
• vomiting

7. DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
• History collection
• Physical examination
• CBC: to rule out infection
• Audiogram: to revel hearing loss

8. MANAGEMENT
• Symptomatic management
• Patients may be placed on bedrest.
• Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Viral infections usually run their course in about 1 week.
Antiviral drugs are used for viral infection.
• Antihistamine (eg, meclizine [Antivert]) to treat vertigo.
• Antiemetic . Eg: prochlorperazine
• Corticosteroids - prednisolone
• Sedatives – diazepam (valium)

9. NURSING MANAGEMENT
• Help the patient manage symptoms and self-care
• Provide bed rest
• Advice the patient should avoid turning the head quickly
to help alleviate the vertigo.
• Ensure patient safety during acute attacks of vertigo.
• Prevent injury
• Minimize anxiety
• Ensure adequate fluid