Vestibular disease
Labyrinth infarction
This information is intended as a general introduction to this topic. As everyone is affected differently by balance and dizziness problems, you should speak to your doctor for individual advice.
For reasons of better readability, the generic masculine is used and the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (m/f/d) is dispensed with. Unless otherwise indicated, the personal designations used in this patient information refer to all genders.

What is a labyrinth infarction?
The inner ear is also called the labyrinth. If not enough oxygen-rich blood reaches a part of the body, this is called ischemia. If organs and cells go without oxygen for too long, this leads to damage known as an infarction. A labyrinth infarction is therefore damage to the inner ear caused by a loss of oxygenated blood supply.
A labyrinth infarction can lead to sudden loss of balance and unilateral hearing loss, also known as acute vestibular syndrome. In most cases, acute vestibular syndrome is caused by vestibular neuritis.
A labyrinthine infarction is much rarer than vestibular neuritis, but more dangerous. A labyrinthine infarction is a type of minor stroke and can be a warning sign that a major stroke is on the way. If you have dizziness and/or balance problems that are accompanied by a sudden loss of hearing on one side, don't wait, call 911 or another emergency service immediately.
On average, people who suffer a labyrinth infarction are between their mid-50s and early 60s, but it can also happen at an older or younger age.
Summary
- A serious form of minor stroke - can be a warning sign of a major stroke.
- The artery that supplies the inner ear with oxygen-rich blood is narrowed or blocked.
- Symptoms include dizziness and/or loss of balance and sudden hearing loss in one ear.
- Don't wait - call 911 or another emergency service immediately.
- It mainly affects people between their mid-50s and early 60s, but it can happen at any age.
- It is more likely to occur in people with other risk factors for stroke.
- The diagnosis is usually made by a doctor in the emergency room of a hospital.
- Immediate treatment includes medication to prevent further damage and avoid a major stroke.
- Increases the risk of a major stroke - be sure to attend all follow-up appointments.
- The associated hearing loss has a positive outcome in over 8 out of 10 patients.
What causes a labyrinth infarction?
A labyrinth infarction is usually caused by a narrowing (stenosis) or blockage of the labyrinth artery that supplies blood to the inner ear. This can be caused by blood clots, heart or blood vessel disease, sickle cell anemia, leukemia or any other condition that causes blood clots or thickens the blood.
The inner ear needs a steady blood supply in order to function properly, as it consumes a lot of energy and oxygen. If it doesn't get enough blood, the inner ear no longer functions properly. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and hearing loss.
Risk factors:
A labyrinthine infarction is more likely to occur in people who have other risk factors for stroke. The most important risk factors include
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
- Heart disease
- Previous stroke
- Diabetes
- Familial heart problems
- Age
The symptoms of a labyrinth infarction usually occur suddenly. They can include
- Rotational vertigo
- Increased dizziness with head movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hearing loss on one side; in some cases it may fluctuate (come and go)
- Balance problems
- Tinnitus
- Physical signs of anxiety such as increased heart rate and rapid breathing
Diagnosis of a labyrinth infarction
A labyrinth infarction can be very serious. As it has many of the same symptoms as less serious conditions, your doctor will need to examine you carefully to make the correct diagnosis.
A labyrinth infarction is usually diagnosed by a doctor in a hospital emergency room.
You will probably have some of the following diagnostic tests:
- Vestibular functional examination
- Imaging tests that examine your blood vessels, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), MRA (magnetic resonance angiogram) or CT (computed tomography) angiogram; you may need to have a contrast agent injected so that your veins and arteries can be seen on the image
Imaging examinations of a labyrinthine infarction do not always show a problem. For example, an MRI scan in the first 24 to 48 hours may be negative for a stroke.
A special bedside test, the HINTS test (Head Impulse Nystagmus Test of Skew), can help the doctor to diagnose a labyrinthine infarction. During the HINTS examination, the eye movements are carefully examined.
Treatment of labyrinth infarction
A labyrinthine infarction is a minor stroke. If you are diagnosed with a labyrinthine infarction, you will be treated immediately to prevent further damage and avoid a major stroke. You may be given various medications, including
- Anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin to slow down the formation of clots in your body
- Medication that lowers high blood pressure (antihypertensives)
- Statins or other drugs that lower cholesterol levels
If you have a labyrinthine infarction, you have a higher risk of suffering a major stroke. When you are discharged from the emergency room, you will be given a list of symptoms to look out for.
Make sure that you register with your GP and make appointments for:
- a stroke specialist
- a stroke clinic where the risk factors that played a role in your labyrinth infarction are examined
- all other necessary examinations
What happens next?
What you can expect in the future.
Sudden deafness due to a labyrinth infarction often has a good outcome (81%).
Try to avoid a second stroke by
- Quit smoking
- Taking prescribed medication to control your cholesterol, blood pressure or diabetes
- Take care of your diet by
- Eats more fruit and vegetables
- Eats foods with a high fiber content
- Reduce your salt (sodium) consumption
- Prefer unsaturated fats to saturated fats and trans fats
- Reduce the amount of added sugar
- Eats moderate portions
- Lose weight or keep your weight at a healthy level
- Exercise regularly
- Drink alcohol in moderation
In order to keep this patient information as short as possible, we have not included a detailed list of references. However, this can be requested at any time at info@ivrt.de.