Inner Ear Infections

Inner ear infections (otitis interna) or labyrinthitis, are almost always caused by viruses, and sometimes happen as a complication of a middle ear infection. When the inner ear is infected, fluid builds up in the vestibular labyrinth causing you to have problems with balance.

In addition, because the inner ear can't function properly when it is infected, the signals it sends to the brain aren't quite right. The result is that you feel dizzy. This is called vertigo, which can include feeling a spinning sensation, nausea, and vomiting. Meniere's disease is a type of vertigo that includes those same symptoms as well as ringing in the affected ear.

If Dr. Alexander feels you are experiencing vertigo, he may prescribe anti-nausea medicine and may also perform an electronystagmograph (ENG) to test your balance.