Pediatric Inner Ear Infection/Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inflammatory disorder of the inner ear. This can lead to disturbances of balance and hearing. Bacteria, viruses, autoimmune processes can lead to inflammation. One form of viral induced labyrinthitis is Herpes Zoster Oticus or Ramsey Hunt Syndrome which is due to a reactivation of the same virus responsible for Shingles, Varicella — Zoster. Bacterial Labyrintitis is cause by meningitis or otitis media. Loss of blood supply (small stoke to vessels of the inner ear) can present with similar disturbances.

Possible Testing

• Tympanogram
• Audiogram
• Microscopy
• MRI or CT of the brain
• Spinal tap

Fact Sheets

• Ear Infections and Earache
• Earache
• Ear Tubes
• Swimmer's Ear/Otitis Externa
• Ear Infections and Vaccines
• Doctor? ¿Por Qué a Mi Hijo Le Duele El Oído?