Labyrinthitis Vs. Benign Positional Vertigo

Labyrinthitis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are two disorders involving the vestibular system in the inner ear. While they may cause similar symptoms in some individuals, they both present distinct and separate syndromes.

The Facts

• The vestibular system provides the body's sense of balance and equilibrium. It consists of several structures that detect all angles of movement, as well as the position of the head when the body is not moving.

Labyrinthitis

• According to the Vestibular Disorders Association, labyrinthitis is an inflammation of a section of the inner ear called the labyrinth generally caused by an infection of the two branches of the vestibulo-cochlear nerve.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

• BPPV occurs when small calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia accumulate in unusual areas of the inner ear.

Symptoms

• Both labyrinthitis and BPPV can trigger the spinning sensation called vertigo, as well as nausea and vomiting. In addition, labyrinthitis can cause vision problems, body imbalance, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

Diagnosis

• A diagnosis of labyrinthitis eliminates other possible causes of symptoms. BPPV diagnosis occurs by identifying its classic symptoms, although magnetic resonance image (MRI) scans provide another means of identification and diagnosis.