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Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the Inner Ear

Picture of ear anatomy and location of the labyrinth

Labyrinthitis is a problem inside the inner ear. It happens when the labyrinth, a part of the inner ear that helps control your balance, gets swollen and inflamed.

Labyrinthitis may cause sudden vertigo. This makes you feel like you're spinning or whirling, even though nothing around you is moving. Labyrinthitis may also cause hearing loss or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus).

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD, MD - Neurology
Last Revised October 3, 2011

Last Revised: October 3, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Barrie J. Hurwitz, MD, MD - Neurology

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