Labrynthitis - Refrain from taking medication - Inner Ear Disorders Message Board

Emsybobs · 12-10-2002, 05:57 AM

Just wanted to warn everyone who has Labrynthitis that my ENT doctor has said that taking medication to ease the dizziness/imbalance actually inhibits the adaption process and it can take a lot longer to recover than if you try to cope with the symptoms without drugs. It can also, in some cases, actually stop the body adapting altogether.

The adaption process can apparently take several months so do not despair if you still have symptoms - there are a nmber of exercises you can do which help train your balance but other than that, let time take its course. If it persists longer than 6 months and you have not been taking medication, then go and see a specialist as it is most probably not Labrynthitis.

Hope this helps some people...Good Luck to all - I know how much a pain this ailment is.

xxx

Ruth77 · 01-14-2003, 10:27 AM

I too have VL and have found these message boards have been a great help - just knowing others are going through the same thing makes a difference. Like you, I was told by the ENT specialist that refraining from taking the medication would speed up the adaptation process. I have had it for 2 months now - have been off work the whole time - and what I have read on these boards is so familiar! Started with a bad head/sinus virus, then got the Lab. My vertigo is 'subjective' rather than 'objective' - that is, the room itself does not spin, I feel like I am spinning/moving up and down/being pulled backwards and forwards, etc.. Have had the nausea, too. ENT also gave me exercises to do, which at first made me worse, but I think they are helping and I can see his way of thinking, although admittedly I did not do them yesterday as was having a really bad day and had to take medication again.
Last couple of weeks, I have had odd days where I start to feel better, then seem to end up right back where I started, which is what makes this virus so horrible.
Like other people, I find being a passenger in a car really helps the feeling of constant motion. I tell people this and I'm sure they think I'm barmy?!
Also get very hot, feel like I'm burning up, my face feels like it is on fire - this is sporadic. Lots of catarrh, though all seems to be in the ears and throat. Throughout I have felt very 'viral', some days get the feeling of motion but don't feel so bad in myself and vice versa. Sorry to rant, just great to tell others who understand. Incidentally, I had this two years ago, but was off work for a couple of weeks, then got recurrent (much milder) episodes. This time has been much worse. Does anybody know if some people are prone to this?

Emsybobs · 01-14-2003, 11:04 AM

Thanks so much for your reply. Like you, these boards have helped me such a lot as sometimes I feel as if I'm the only person with this problem!!!!

I've had a bad day today and liek you, I have periods of far better days and then I feel like I do today - like I did 3 mths ago. It is all so annoying.

Your VL sounds more severe than mine but I know what you mean about being in a car. Walking in the dark and turning corners and crowded places are bad for me.

How long did your ENT say it would last?

Did your ENT do pressure/hearing tests?

I also feel viral as you say, tired and prone to things. Am taking a lot of vitamin C and have heard magnesium can help.

Let me know how you get on.

Emsybobs · 01-14-2003, 11:06 AM

Oh and forgot to say - I have heard it can Reccur but it totally depends and this doesnt always happen. God Luck xxx

Subs30 · 01-14-2003, 03:43 PM

Labyrinthitis--six to twelve months for most people(research says)--but can last longer for some----

I got it about six months ago(fist time)--They(Doc's) did the MRI,(V)ENG, Neurologist,ENT, etc..--turns out that it can also generate into BPPV(research says)and for me it did--attended vestibular therapy--that helped some but not much--get a little better each week--did not take any med's--as recommended in the research--and--I push activity--to the fringes of the safe limit--also recommended.

They(the medical types)tell me it will go away eventually--six to twelve months for most people(research says)--but can last longer for some---but most of what I now know about this condition--did not come from them.

So each day I read a little more(160,000 people in the U.S. per year get vestibular--probs, Mayo Clinc study)--get a little smarter on it--and push activy a little harder--and each week(sometimes two)I think I'm a little better and each month I'm sure I am!

But as all who visit this board know--it sure ain't easy!

Another good source of info is the "[removed]" BBS at:
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[This message has been edited by moderator2 (edited 01-18-2003).]