Initial Treatment for Labyrinthitis

Pharmacological Management

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery recommends vestibular suppressants for short-term management of acute vertigo attacks, not as long-term therapy 1
Options include antihistamines which help reduce the severity of vertigo symptoms 1
Benzodiazepines may be used cautiously for severe symptoms to alleviate both vertigo and associated anxiety, but with awareness of dependency risk 1
Sodium restriction (1500-2300 mg daily) may be recommended if labyrinthitis is related to or progresses to Ménière's disease 1
Identification and management of potential triggers such as stress, caffeine, and alcohol consumption may be beneficial 1

Self-administered or clinician-guided vestibular rehabilitation may be offered to improve outcomes 2

Patients should be reassessed within 1 month after initial treatment to document resolution or persistence of symptoms 2, 3
Persistent symptoms require evaluation for unresolved labyrinthitis or underlying peripheral vestibular or central nervous system disorders 3
Neglecting to provide patient education about the potential for disease recurrence and importance of follow-up 2