Please help - I have recently been experiencing EXTREME dizziness/unbalance (even while sitting), difficulty focusing, pressure/clicking in the ears, EXTREME fatigue, stiffness/tightness in my neck, shortness of breath, and heaviness in the chest.

After 2 visits to 2 different doctors, and 1 trip to the ER with several tests, I was diagnosed with an inner ear infection.

I have never had any trouble with my ears before and am not even certain how I developed this. The doctors have told me that there is nothing they can do for the infection and I need to let it "run its course".

Well, that is easier said than done. I am missing days at work and have already had to cancel one vacation due to this dizziness.

Does anyone know of any remedies (ie. herbs, meds, exercises, etc) to treat this condition? I've already tried meclizine, valium, and Dramamine which have had little, to no effect except to make me sleepier.

On average, how long does an inner ear infection take to "run its course"?

Since I have no idea how I got this, any suggestions on how to prevent from getting another would also be useful. Thanks in advance!

Since the whole inner ear is about the size of a dime, many infections affect both the hearing and balance systems and produce both kinds of symptoms. The symptoms can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the infection. Although the symptoms of bacterial and viral infections may be quite similar, the two disorders require very different treatments, and it is therefore important for your doctor to make a proper diagnosis before starting a course of treatment.

You can read more about it all at:
http://www.vestibular.org/index.shtml
http://www.vestibular.org/labyrin.html

Sounds like what I have--infection of inner ear--got it about six months ago(last week in Jul 02)--usually takes awhile to get over it---as you will see from reading about it.

Thanks for the web info. How long did it take for your infection to go away? How did you manage your everyday life while experiencing dizziness and symptoms of the infection? I'm have a difficult time coping and could use some advise.

Hi...if you read some of the other entries under "labrynthitis" you will see it can take anywhere from 6-12 months. There are some exercises you can do. They are mentioned in one of the other entries on the list. Other than those and time, I havent found much to help this problem I am afraid but I can sympathise completely. Good luck.

I still have it--so not sure how long it normally takes.

The trick is to keep moving--in spite of the fact that it makes you feel worse--while your doing it.

Over time time the brain--starts to understand--that the signals it's getting from the vestibular systems are hosed-up---and starts to retrain--it self to deal with them--by not accepting the bad ones--to help the brain --the recommendation is no med's--they can mask--the bad signal(s)---that is what all of the medical research & Doc's say.

Do not know if all of that will turnout to be true--as I am still in the process of getting rid of it.

But, each month seems to get a little better--got my fingers crossed.

The below web site may help:
http://www.conciliocreative.com/dizzy/

Good Luck!