Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis in Grand Rapids, MI

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are inner ear disorders that cause inflammation of the balance system and/or the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, these conditions are commonly seen in primary care offices, urgent care centers, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) clinics, especially following viral illnesses that are more frequent during our long West Michigan winters.

Both conditions can lead to:

  • Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
  • Dizziness
  • Imbalance and unsteadiness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Problems with vision or hearing (more common in labyrinthitis)

Residents in Grand Rapids who experience sudden, severe dizziness or vertigo should seek medical evaluation promptly at local providers such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health, or through their primary care provider.

How the Inner Ear Balance System Works

In a healthy balance system, the brain combines information from:

  • The balance organs in both inner ears
  • The eyes
  • Sensory nerves in the muscles and joints

When one inner ear or its nerve is inflamed or not working properly, the messages from that side become distorted. The brain receives conflicting information from each ear, which can trigger:

  • Sudden vertigo (spinning)
  • Dizziness
  • Trouble walking or standing
  • Difficulty focusing the eyes

These symptoms can be especially disruptive in daily life in Grand Rapids, whether you’re navigating icy sidewalks in winter, driving in lake-effect snow, or working in physically demanding jobs common across Kent County.

Vestibular Neuritis vs. Labyrinthitis

Although they are related, vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are not the same condition.

Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis (also called vestibular neuronitis) is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which carries balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. It affects balance only, not hearing.

Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden onset of intense, constant vertigo (spinning)
  • Severe dizziness that may be disabling and require bed rest
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Unsteadiness and imbalance
  • Difficulty focusing the eyes or tracking moving objects
  • Trouble concentrating

Hearing is usually normal with vestibular neuritis.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis involves inflammation of the entire inner ear (the labyrinth), including both:

  • The balance structures
  • The hearing structures and/or the cochlear nerve (which carries sound signals)

In addition to dizziness and vertigo, labyrinthitis may cause:

  • Hearing loss in one ear
  • Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or roaring in the ear)
  • A sense of fullness or pressure in the ear

Because labyrinthitis affects hearing, prompt evaluation by an ENT specialist or audiologist in Grand Rapids is important to protect long-term hearing.

Symptoms of Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis

While each person’s experience is different, common symptoms reported by patients in Grand Rapids and across Michigan include:

  • Vertigo: A spinning or whirling sensation, often sudden and severe
  • Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded, off-balance, or “on a boat”
  • Nausea and vomiting: Sometimes severe enough to cause dehydration
  • Imbalance and unsteadiness: Difficulty walking, especially in the dark or on uneven/icy surfaces
  • Visual problems: Blurred vision, trouble focusing, or feeling that objects are moving
  • Difficulty concentrating: Trouble reading, working on a computer, or driving
  • Hearing changes (labyrinthitis):
    • Sudden hearing loss in one ear
    • Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)

If you notice sudden hearing loss or severe vertigo in Grand Rapids, contact your doctor, an urgent care center, or a local emergency department (for example at Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) right away.

Causes of Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis

Viral Infections (Most Common)

In Grand Rapids, as in the rest of Michigan, viral infections are the leading cause. These often occur after or during:

  • Influenza (flu) – common during cold Michigan winters
  • Common colds and upper respiratory infections
  • Herpes viruses, including:
    • Chickenpox
    • Shingles
    • Cold sores

The virus can directly infect the inner ear or trigger inflammation that disrupts balance and hearing.

Bacterial Infections

Less commonly, labyrinthitis can be caused by bacteria, which is more serious and needs urgent treatment. Bacterial labyrinthitis can:

  • Start from an untreated or severe middle ear infection (otitis media)
  • Occur, in rare cases, as a complication of meningitis

Because bacterial infections can damage hearing permanently, it is important to seek timely care at local Grand Rapids clinics or hospitals if you have ear pain, fever, and dizziness together.

Diagnosis in Grand Rapids, MI

Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis are usually diagnosed based on:

Medical History

Your healthcare provider will ask about:

  • When your symptoms started and how they progressed
  • Whether the dizziness is constant or comes in attacks
  • Recent illnesses (such as flu or a cold)
  • Any recent ear infections, head injuries, or new medications
  • Hearing changes, tinnitus, or ear fullness

Physical Examination

A doctor or advanced practice provider in Grand Rapids (such as at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health) may:

  • Check your eye movements
  • Assess your balance and walking
  • Examine your ears, head, and neck
  • Take your blood pressure and heart rate

Balance and Hearing Tests

You may be referred to an audiologist or balance specialist for:

  • Hearing tests (audiometry) – to check for hearing loss
  • Balance tests – such as videonystagmography (VNG) or other vestibular assessments

These services are available through many ENT and audiology clinics in the Grand Rapids area, as well as through larger hospital systems.

Treatment for Vestibular Neuritis in Grand Rapids

Medications

In the early stages, vestibular neuritis may be treated with:

  • Corticosteroids: Anti-inflammatory medications that may reduce inner ear nerve inflammation and help recovery
  • Medications for nausea and vertigo:
    • Antiemetics (to reduce nausea and vomiting)
    • Short-term vestibular suppressants (to reduce spinning and motion sensation)

These medications are typically prescribed for a short period. Long-term use of vestibular suppressants can slow the brain’s natural compensation process, so they are usually tapered off.

Treatment for Labyrinthitis

The treatment of labyrinthitis depends on the likely cause:

Viral Labyrinthitis

  • May be managed with rest, hydration, and medications to control nausea and vertigo
  • Sometimes corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation
  • Hearing and balance are monitored; you may be referred to an ENT specialist or audiologist in Grand Rapids

Bacterial Labyrinthitis

  • Requires urgent medical care
  • Often treated with antibiotics (oral or intravenous)
  • May require hospital care, especially if associated with meningitis or severe middle ear infection

If you suspect a severe ear infection with fever, intense pain, or drainage from the ear plus dizziness, seek immediate care at a local emergency department or urgent care center.

Vestibular Rehabilitation in Grand Rapids, MI

If symptoms of dizziness, imbalance, or visual disturbance persist after the acute phase, you may be referred to a vestibular rehabilitation therapist (a specially trained physical therapist).

What Vestibular Rehabilitation Does

Vestibular rehabilitation uses targeted exercises to help your brain:

  • Relearn how to interpret signals from the damaged inner ear
  • Rely more effectively on information from your eyes and body
  • Reduce dizziness and improve balance

Common exercises may include:

  • Eye and head movement exercises
  • Balance training (standing, walking, turning)
  • Habituation exercises to reduce dizziness with certain movements

Vestibular rehabilitation is widely available through physical therapy clinics and hospital-based rehab programs in Grand Rapids. Many Spectrum Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, and independent PT clinics offer specialized vestibular therapy.

Self‑Care at Home in Grand Rapids

If your provider has recommended home exercises or self-care, these general tips may help:

  • Continue vestibular exercises as instructed:
    • Do them regularly and consistently
    • Expect some temporary increase in dizziness as your brain adapts
  • Keep moving:
    • Avoid staying in bed or sitting all day, even if it feels more comfortable
    • Gentle movement helps your brain compensate and recover faster
  • Return to normal activities gradually:
    • Increase activity as tolerated
    • Aim to return to your usual work, school, or sports without restricting movements
  • Stay safe in Michigan weather:
    • Use handrails on stairs and ramps
    • Be extra cautious on icy sidewalks and parking lots in winter
    • Ensure good lighting at home, especially at night

Always follow the specific instructions given by your Grand Rapids healthcare provider or physical therapist.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

In Grand Rapids, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe dizziness with:
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • Weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side)
    • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
    • Severe headache (“worst headache of your life”)
  • Sudden hearing loss in one ear
  • High fever, stiff neck, or confusion
  • Severe ear pain with dizziness and drainage from the ear

These may be signs of a stroke, meningitis, or serious ear infection and require urgent evaluation.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding Kent County area and are dealing with dizziness, vertigo, or suspected labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, you can:

  • Contact your primary care provider
  • Visit an urgent care center or emergency department at:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Ask for referral to:
    • An ENT (otolaryngologist)
    • An audiologist for hearing and balance testing
    • A vestibular rehabilitation physical therapist

You can also find community health information and support through:

  • Kent County Health Department – offers public health resources and education
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and local clinics – can assist with referrals and low-cost care options

Early evaluation and appropriate treatment can significantly improve recovery and help you safely return to work, school, and daily life in Grand Rapids.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider in Grand Rapids, MI, or your local area for diagnosis and treatment tailored to you.