Labyrinthitis

http://www.emedicine.com/ent/topic409.htm This is an image that depicts Labyrinthitis ossificans in the right cochlea. The superior image is prior to giving contrast. The inferior image is post contrast. The inferior image shows enhancement of the right cochlea showing inflammation.

Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear. The inner is ear is made up of 3 semicircular canals that help control balance. When the inner ear becomes inflamed it can cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting, ear loss (usually temporary), and/or roaring sounds in the ear. The vertigo begins suddenly often one to two weeks after the flu, cold, viral, or bacterial infection. The cause for this inflammation is not clear. It is often triggered by an upper respiratory infection, middle ear infection, or rarely, by bacterial infection. Labyrinthitis is usually diagnosed with medical history and physical examination. If the cause for vertigo is unclear the doctor may request additional tests such as a CT or MRI exam. The inflammation usually goes away on its own in several weeks. If its cause is bacterial you will need antibiotics to cure it.