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What is Labyrinthitis?
Sometimes
labyrinthitis is referred to as an inner ear infection, but
typically it is not from an infection at all.
In the most general terms, labyrinthitis is a condition which causes
irritation to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, which project
into fluid-filled canals or labyriths. Normal balance and the
sensation of movement are controlled by the labyrinths. When head
position changes the fluid filled canals cause the hair cells to
send electrical impulses to the brain, helping to define the body's
orientation.
In labyrinthitis the hair cells and other structures in the
labyrinths become irritated. They discharge randomly, sending
chaotic messages to the brain, tricking the brain into thinking you
or your surroundings are moving or spinning. One potential
cause of this is an unhealthy nerve. When nerves become sick
they spontaneously discharge, and send erroneous messages to the
brain.
The use of Video Electronystagmography, a totally non-invasive
proceedure, tests the health of the vestibular nerve and associated
nerve centers. Treatments can be better planned when an
accurate diagnosis is made.
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