ENT: Viral Labyrinthitis: Free MSRA Podcast

🎧 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Viral Labyrinthitis: Fast-Track ENT RevisionWhy do sudden dizziness, spinning rooms, and hearing loss sometimes strike after a cold or flu? In this episode, we demystify viral labyrinthitis for the MSRA – covering the highest yield facts for exam success and clinical practice. All directly from UK NICE/CKS notes!🧠 Key Learning PointsDefinition• Viral labyrinthitis = Inflammation of the inner ear (the labyrinth) caused by a viral infection• Disrupts both balance (vestibular) and hearing (cochlear) pathwaysCauses• Most often triggered by common viral infections: influenza, rhinovirus (cold), herpes viruses, and other respiratory viruses• Bacterial labyrinthitis is rarer and more seriousSymptoms & Signs• Triad: Sudden onset vertigo, hearing loss (usually one ear), imbalance• Additional: Nausea, vomiting, tinnitus• Exam: Horizontal, unidirectional nystagmus (beats toward healthy ear), impaired vestibulo-ocular reflex (positive head impulse test), tendency to fall towards affected side• Key high-yield: Labyrinthitis = balance problems + hearing loss; Vestibular neuritis = balance problems only (no hearing loss)Diagnosis• Clinical diagnosis: Sudden vertigo + hearing loss + history of recent viral illness• Audiometry to confirm/quantify hearing loss• MRI only if atypical symptoms, poor recovery, or to exclude stroke/tumourManagement• Mainly supportive: Rest, hydration, reassurance• Symptom control: Prochlorperazine, antihistamines for vertigo/nausea• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain balance• Most cases resolve gradually over weeks to months• Steroids sometimes used but benefit is uncertainComplications• Rare: Persistent hearing loss, chronic vertigo, psychological distress (anxiety, depression)• Most recover well, but lingering dizziness or hearing changes may occur📎 More Viral Labyrinthitis Revision Resources:📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/viral-labyrinthitis-revision-notes/💬 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/viral-labyrinthitis-flashcards/🧠 Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/viral-labyrinthitis-accordion-qa-notes/📝 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/viral-labyrinthitis-rapid-quiz/🎯 Quiz Portal: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/viral-labyrinthitis/📚 ENT Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/🏷️ Hashtags#MSRA #ViralLabyrinthitis #ENTRevision #MSRAENT #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQandA #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #Vertigo #Dizziness #HearingLoss #UKGuidelines #ENTPodcast