Labyrinth – what functions does it perform? Labyrinth disorders and methods of their treatment [WE EXPLAIN]

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The labyrinth is part of the inner ear that is not only responsible for proper hearing, but also for maintaining balance. If there are labyrinth disorders, and one of the first symptoms is dizziness, we should see a doctor. What is the treatment of labyrinth diseases? Is it possible to cure them completely? Let’s get to know the symptoms that most often accompany labyrinth disorders.

Construction of the labyrinth

The labyrinth, located in the rocky part of the temporal bone, is a small part of the inner ear. There are receptors of the sense of hearing and the sense of balance, also known as the sense of balance and orientation in space.

1. Find out how the ear is structured and learn about its functions

In the structure of the labyrinth, we distinguish two parts: the bone labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth located in the center of the bony labyrinth, responsible for the sense of hearing and balance. The bone labyrinth itself is filled with cavities and canals. The membranous labyrinth, in turn, is formed by the cochlear labyrinth, in the composition of which we distinguish primarily the cochlear canal and structures responsible for the sense of balance. They mainly include:

1. Vestibular labyrinth (vestibule) – it is the central part of the labyrinth connected to the cochlea at the front, and to the membranous semicircular canals at the back. There are two organs in the vestibule, the pollen tube and the sac, which respond to linear acceleration. Between them there is a sensory structure (spot) located vertically in the sac and horizontally in the pollen tube. As a result, the pouch can affect changes in vertical acceleration, which also includes gravity, and the tube tilt the head to the vertical. Simply put, the vestibular labyrinth is responsible for maintaining static balance;
2. Membrane semicircular canals – we distinguish three channels: front, rear and lateral, which are arranged perpendicularly to each other on the frontal, sagittal and horizontal planes, showing a reaction to the rotation of the body. Thanks to them, it is possible to maintain the kinetic balance. The membranous semicircular canals are 1,5 to 3 cm long. They leave the vestibule to make a partial circle and return to it.

The cochlear labyrinth itself (the cochlea) has about 20 hearing receptors, which enable it to perceive vibrations of various frequencies, which makes it possible for humans to distinguish between sounds, their tone and color. In the cochlea there is a proper hearing organ known as the Corti organ.

Labyrinth functions

Although the labyrinth is a small part of the inner ear, it performs two very important functions. Responsible for the sense of hearing and the sense of balance. At rest, the impulses of the nerve endings located in the left and right vestibular labyrinths balance each other. During the movement, the balance is disturbed, but if it was triggered by a natural stimulus, the reflexes should be correct.

1. What are imbalances?

Labyrinth disorders – first symptoms

The labyrinth disorders result from its partial or complete damage, thanks to which the equilibrium state arising in the atrium is perceived by the patient as a movement. However, this is not movement caused by a natural stimulus. This condition is most often referred to as vertigo, which is one of the first and the most characteristic symptoms of labyrinth disorders. Usually these are sudden and severe seizures.

You may find it difficult to balance when you feel dizzy. Some patients also distinguished rocking as one of the symptoms of labyrinth disorders. Often, rocking was described as a collapse in the ground, making it impossible to take a step.

A characteristic symptom of labyrinth disorders is also nystagmus, understood as a sudden movement of the eyeballs after changing position. Photophobia is also partly associated with nystagmus. One of the less peculiar symptoms, but related to labyrinth diseases, is tinnitus.

Labyrinth disorders – unusual symptoms

In addition to the characteristic symptoms associated with labyrinth disorders, a few non-specific ones can be mentioned. These include, first of all, nausea and vomiting. It is the nervous system’s defensive reaction to disorders. It is also worth mentioning the fistula symptom associated with the change in pressure in the inner ear, which is the result of damage to the eardrum.

Fainting is also one of the non-specific symptoms. The labyrinth regulates blood pressure in a standing position. So if you are disturbed you may experience sudden fainting. It should be remembered that headaches and high temperature are not associated with labyrinth disorders.

Diagnostics of labyrinth diseases – what is it?

Due to the fact that the symptoms characteristic of individual labyrinth disorders are similar to each other, in order to be able to verify them, full diagnostics should be performed. It is best to go to an ENT specialist and / or a neurologist for a consultation. Detailed research mainly consists of:

1. Performing the labyrinthine test (electronystagmography) – involves irritating the equilibrium system for 30 seconds, followed by a 30-second break. Then the electrodes attached to the face record the work of the labyrinth, the response of which is nystagmus;
2. Videonystagmography – during the examination, the patient puts on a mask resembling a ski goggle with cameras on it. They track the movement of the eyeballs. The reading is visible on the computer screen;
3. Conducting an audiometric hearing test most often in a quiet room where no sounds can reach;
4. Carrying out a caloric test – the test consists in irritating the labyrinths by pouring alternately warm and cold water into the ears. The examination cannot be performed if the patient has inflammation of the outer or middle ear, as well as perforation of the tympanic membrane. In this case, it is possible to use air applicators that have a variable temperature.

Characteristic diseases of the labyrinth

The characteristic diseases of the labyrinth include:

1. Motion sickness;
2. Meniere’s disease;
3. Labyrinthitis;
4. Inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve;
5. Tumors of the sternocerebellar angle;
6. Otosclerosis.

It should be remembered that untreated labyrinth disorders may lead to partial or complete deafness, which is why proper diagnosis is so important.

Labyrinthitis – how does it manifest?

Labyrinthitis can occur as a result of a bacterial infection caused by bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae or Neisseria meningitidis. The disease can also cause a viral infection (congenital or acquired associated with past rubella, measles or cytomegalovirus). The most common symptoms include severe dizziness, nystagmus, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting.

Diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of labyrinthitis include computed tomography of the head, X-ray of the temporal bone and ear endoscopy. Inflammation affects the inner ear, which can be serious if the inflammation affects the structures of the skull, causing meningitis or a brain abscess. For this reason, the treatment of labyrinthitis is carried out in an inpatient ENT department.

Medicines are administered to the patient intravenously. Most often he is given antiemetics and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Autoimmune inflammation is treated with glucocorticosteroids.

1. Learn about autoimmune diseases

Meniere’s disease – how is it treated?

Meniere’s disease is also called idiopathic labyrinthine hydrocele, in which a large amount of endolymph is collected, leading to a change in pressure in the organ. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are dizziness, nystagmus, tinnitus, as well as a feeling of crowding in the ear making the patient’s hearing worse.

In diagnostics, audiometric examination of the organ of hearing is used, as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. In addition to visiting an ENT specialist, consultation with an ophthalmologist and a neurologist may be helpful.

Meniere’s disease is treated by giving the patient anti-sickness drugs and medications to balance the pressure in the inner ear and brain.

Labyrinth disorders and motion sickness

Motion sickness (kinetosis) is not a disease in the literal sense of the word, but it is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders of the labyrinth. It consists in sending contradictory signals from the labyrinth, eyes and organs of movement to the brain. It manifests itself only when moving by means of transport. Although the change of environment is perceived by the eyes as movement, the labyrinth, not perceiving the change in the position of the body, sends a signal to the brain about the lack of movement. This dissonance causes the autonomic nervous system to send signals, including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, or drooling.

If you are diagnosed with motion sickness, it is enough to take appropriate medications before the trip to minimize symptoms. While driving, it is best to sit in the front of the vehicle and choose a stationary point to stare at. In addition, it is a good idea to give up reading and to give up hearty meals and sodas before traveling. However, fasting should not be allowed as this can lead to increased symptoms. The vehicle should be regularly aired during the journey. It is also worth making stops.

Otosclerosis – what is it?

Otosclerosis (otospongiosis) refers to the membranous labyrinth in which an abnormal callus is formed that immobilizes the stapes. The disease usually manifests between the ages of 15 and 30, affecting women more than men. Especially pregnant women are exposed to otosclerosis, which is the result of elevated estrogen levels.

The main symptoms include progressive bilateral deafness, tinnitus, problems with balance, and hearing sounds better in noise than in complete silence. Due to the fact that otosclerosis is often hereditary, the doctor must conduct an interview. He also performs tests: audiometric hearing tests, reed tests, Weber test or Rinn test.

Initially, the doctor may recommend that the patient wear a hearing aid, and in the case of a progressive disease, an operation is performed – stapedectomy or stapedotomy.

Cochlear neuritis – how to treat?

Viruses (herpes, influenza, mumps, rubella) are responsible for the formation of the vestibulocochlear nerve inflammation. The vascular and autoimmune background is also mentioned as the cause of the disorder damaging the vestibular fibers responsible for transmitting auditory information to the brain and information about changes in body position.

The disease is diagnosed on the basis of X-ray of the temporal bone, ear endoscopy and computed tomography of the head. The patient most often gets antihistamines, scopolamine, sedatives and antiemetics.

Tumors of the sternocerebellar angle – diagnosis of the disease

Sternocerebellar angle tumors are a type of cancer that is responsible for damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting develop slowly. Other prominent symptoms include memory lapses, difficulty speaking, emotional instability, and increased intracranial pressure.

In the event of suspicion of disturbances in the functioning of the labyrinth, visit an ENT specialist and a neurologist. In order for the initial diagnosis to be confirmed, a computed tomography of the head, magnetic resonance imaging, examination of the equilibrium system and an audiometric examination should be performed. The basic method of treating a tumor of the sternocerebellar angle is stereotaxic radiotherapy.

Labyrinth disorders – with what conditions can they appear?

Labyrinth disorders may also appear in other diseases:

1. Stroke;
2. Brain tumor;
3. Addison-Biermer disease;
4. Low blood pressure;
5. Poisoning (mainly alcohol and drugs).

Are there home remedies for labyrinth disorders?

Home treatment is not recommended in the case of labyrinth disorders. It can only be a form supporting pharmacological treatment. If a patient experiences frequent dizziness or nausea, which occurs not only during the trip (directly indicating motion sickness), he should consult a doctor, especially an ENT specialist and a neurologist, in order to determine the cause of the problem.

Untreated labyrinth diseases can lead to hearing loss. Only the accompanying vomiting can be minimized by using ginger infusions.

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