Symptoms

The main symptom of labyrinthitis is vertigo, a spinning or whirling sensation you feel although neither you nor your surroundings are moving. Vertigo results when there is a problem with your balance sensory systems—including your vision, sensory nerves, inner ear, and skin pressure sensation—that are all interpreted by your brain.

People often think the terms vertigo and dizziness mean the same thing, but these symptoms are different and they may indicate different problems. Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. The motion is commonly described as a feeling of spinning or whirling but can also include sensations of falling or tilting. Nausea and vomiting often accompany more severe episodes of vertigo. It may be difficult to walk or stand, and you may lose your balance and fall.

Vertigo caused by labyrinthitis begins suddenly without warning and gradually goes away over a few days to weeks, although sudden head movement can trigger vertigo for a month or longer.

You may also develop a condition called nystagmus, which is involuntary or "jerking" eye movements.

Labyrinthitis may also cause hearing loss, which is usually temporary, along with a ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus).