angie
Hi Paula and Stephanie Ive been diagnosed with labyrinthitis for the last 10 weeks. It started with extreme dizziness accompanied by nausea,and occassional vomiting in the early weeks. I thought I had an ear infection as I suffered from earache, which was severe at times but mostly felt like a constant pressure behind my ear. I have been told by doctors that it is not usual to get pain with labyrinthitis, but the feeling of pressure is common. I have also felt disorientated, muddled and sort of " spaced out" frequently and have become clumsy and forgetful. I too have seen several doctors and have been given different advice :- rest when dizziness is severe, no alcohol, reduced salt intake, no caffiene. I have been told that(in my case) labyrinthitis is a viral infection of the labyrinth.It can cause inflammation in the infected ear causing balance problems. apparently the brain needs to adapt to the new level of inflammation and this can be a long slow process, taking weeks or months. I have been advised to gradually increase activity. I have also been told that illness or tiredness can set back this adaption process. It is an extremely frustrating condition. But I also believe that staying positive helps. Another main symptom I have suffered is extreme fatigue,I asked my Gp if this was due to the extra work done by the brain whilst adapting and he replied that it probably was. I would like to get involved with starting a support group, so please e mail me with some info.