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Treatment of Labyrinthitis

Viral labyrinthitis usually lasts between 1 and 3 weeks. Your body will fight the virus off on its own, so during this time treatment is designed to reduce any symptoms you are feeling. Your GP may prescribe you medicine to reduce your dizziness (vestibular suppressants) and anti-sickness medicine (anti-emetics) if you are feeling or being sick.

 Early on, tablets may be difficult to take because you are vomiting, so you may be given medicine that dissolves in your mouth or as an injection.

You should take plenty of liquid, especially water, ‘little and often’ to avoid becoming dehydrated without upsetting your stomach.

In its early days, labyrinthitis can make you feel constantly dizzy and give you severe vertigo. You should rest in bed to avoid falling and injuring yourself. After a few days, the worst of these symptoms should have passed and you should no longer feel dizzy all the time. There are some things you can do to minimise any remaining feelings of dizziness and vertigo:

  • During an attack, lie still in a comfortable position, on your side is often best.
  • Avoid chocolate, coffee and alcohol.
  • Cut down on sugar and salt.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Avoid bright lights.
  • Try to cut out noise and stress from the area around you.

 Bacterial labyrinthitis is treated with antibiotics to fight the infection.