Labyrinthitis: Home Treatment

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Home Treatment

Vertigo (a whirling or spinning sensation) is most intense during the first 2 to 3 days of labyrinthitis. Bed rest and keeping your head still may initially relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo.

But if vertigo lasts for more than a few days, returning to normal daily activities may help. Staying active, while difficult if it triggers vertigo, usually helps the brain adapt (compensate) to the vertigo more quickly. It is especially important to move your head as you normally would and avoid holding it completely still. As compensation occurs, vertigo will gradually go away.

Although labyrinthitis is generally a short-term condition, there are steps you can take at home to manage your symptoms.

• Take safety precautions for vertigo, such as keeping your home uncluttered and using nonskid mats around your house and in your bath.
• Try balance exercises for vertigo, such as simple head movements and maintaining your balance while standing or sitting.
• Do Brandt-Daroff exercises for vertigo, which include sitting on the edge of your bed or sofa, quickly leaning to one side, and then lying on that side until the spinning or whirling sensation goes away or for at least 30 seconds.

Check with your doctor first before trying exercises at home to reduce symptoms of vertigo associated with labyrinthitis.

Last updated:	July 02, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC