Labyrinthite

Labyrinthitis - diffuse or limited lesion of the peripheral parts of the sound and vestibular analyzers. It occurs with acute or more often chronic inflammation of the middle ear (cholesteatoma), tuberculosis of the middle ear, trauma. Depending on the ways of development, inflammatory diseases of the inner ear can be divided into tympanogenic, meningogenic and hematogenic. There are also purulent and non-fungal lesions of the labyrinth, and in terms of diffusion and diffusion.

Symptoms, the flow depends on the localization of the process in the inner ear. In the initial stages of the disease, irritation of the labyrinth (tinnitus, dizziness, nausea, hearing loss, spontaneous nystagmus, balance disorder, vomiting) is noted. Spontaneous nystagmus is directed to the sore side; If there is a depression of the labyrinth - in a healthy way. The intensity of dizziness is very different. An equilibrium disorder is observed at rest and during movement. With a serous labyrinth, pathological changes consist in the formation of exudate and edema in all soft parts of the labyrinth. With a favorable course of the disease, there is a gradual resorption of the exudate. Limited labyrinthites come with or without fistula. Fistula is more often on a horizontal canal. With a purulent maze, the temperature can rise. With diffuse purulent labyrinthitis, complete loss of hearing occurs.

Diagnosis is difficult if the labyrinthitis is accompanied by complications such as cerebellar abscess, meningitis. Partial preservation of the function of the cochlear and vestibular apparatus indicates a limited or serous labyrinthite. Complete loss of their functions indicates a diffusive-purulent labyrinthitis.

Treatment. In serous and limited labyrinthites with residual labyrinth functions, conservative treatment (bed rest, dehydration and antibacterial therapy) is indicated. With labyrinthitis with a fistulous symptom and a preserved function of the labyrinth, if antibiotic therapy is ineffective, general cough trepanation is indicated. Absolute indications for operation on the labyrinth simultaneously with the operation in the middle ear is the sequestration of the labyrinth or purulent labyrinthitis with labyrinthogenic intracranial complications.