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Possible Labyrinthitis, corticosteroid please help ASAP

Posted , 6 users are following.

BruceKeller
BruceKeller

Hello, we've managed to convince our ER and primary doctor to prescribe my girlfriend with a short course (approx. 7 days) of corticosteroid (Methyprednisolone) because I've heard it may help with recovery from Labyrinthitis/Vestibular Neuronitis. The doctors seem unsure of what she has, but suspect Lab., but are awaiting a specialist.

It's been 24 days. Most severe symptoms match Labyrinthitis, Vestibular Neuronitis, BVVP. The few ATYPICAL symptoms include: migraines, double-vision, sensitive to light during migraines, and brain fog. 

My question is: should she take the corticosteroids?

Most articles I've read suggest them EARLY; it's already been 22 days and seems possibly pointless to take. However, we want to give it a try. Are there any dangers to this? I'm hoping they prevent further inflammation damage, but it seems too late in the game. Would it be harmless to try them? She's still having symptoms and possible inflammation.

Lastly, how does one differentiate BACTERIAL labyrinthitis from VIRAL labyrinthitis? I'm worried the corticosteroids are only meant for VIRAL, and may worsen any possibility of bacterial infection she has (media, interna).

Please help, thank you!

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • helen_04574
    helen_04574 BruceKeller

    Posted

    Hi, were any of the doctors from the ENT department or even neurology?  I would say she needs to be seen by ENT.  I have had labyrinthis before (severe room spinning vertigo, had to stay in bed), this ended with a few days of BPPV (positional vertigo on moving head).  Especially when crossing the road. I

    You could phone the 111 NHS number and they will get a doctor to call you back to discuss. There may be a doctor who has knowledge of ENT. I have phone this number a few times before.

    I'm not sure about your question with corticosteroids.

     

    • tonya46846
      tonya46846 helen_04574

      Posted

      Yes Helen is right.. I have vertigo(BPPV) it acts up when you under stress and anxiety. I take a med called antivert (meclizine hcl) 15 mg  its over the counter. Works great only side affect is drowsiness. 
  • jessica49796
    jessica49796 BruceKeller

    Posted

    The steroids may or may not help, I'd ask an ENT. I took mine after two months...they made me desperately emotional and anxious, but I believed aided in my slow. recovery. She is probably suffering anxiety already from this terrorizing condition. I'm on month three, and have found vestibular rehab exercises extremely helpful.  The recovery has been so gradual that I didn't realize I was getting better. Good luck to both of you. She will get better, but it will be one of the most difficult things she's ever been through. Sounds like she has good suppot. 
  • tonya46846
    tonya46846 BruceKeller

    Posted

    Get a over the counter drug called antivert (Meclizine) 15 mg. It works good for my vertigo. Good luck ❌❌❌
  • linda_96682
    linda_96682 BruceKeller

    Posted

    The specialist I went to said there is nothing will help the viral form. It is like getting a viral flu just time.I only took motion sick pills but they made me worse so did not take them very long.  My mom used to get all the things you write about when she had migraines. They would go for days and she would just lay in the dark and not move at all.
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