PYOLABYRINTHITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Pyolabyrinthitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and infection of the labyrinth, which is the intricate structure within the inner ear responsible for balance and hearing. The term is derived from the Latin word "pyo," meaning pus, and "labyrinthitis," referring to the inflammation of the labyrinth.
Pyolabyrinthitis usually occurs as a complication of a severe middle ear infection. The infection, predominantly caused by bacteria, can spread to the inner ear through the oval or round windows or through direct extension from adjacent structures. This results in the accumulation of pus within the labyrinth, leading to its inflammation.
Common symptoms of pyolabyrinthitis include vertigo or dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and ear pain. Individuals may also experience nausea, vomiting, and balance disturbances. The severity of symptoms can vary, and in some cases, the infection may lead to profound hearing loss.
Diagnosis of pyolabyrinthitis typically involves a comprehensive medical history review, evaluation of symptoms, physical examination, and various tests. These may include audiometry to assess the extent of hearing loss, imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to visualize the inner ear structures, and blood tests to identify the causative organism.
Treatment of pyolabyrinthitis primarily involves high-dose intravenous antibiotics to eradicate the infection. Symptomatic management, including anti-nausea medications and vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance, may also be recommended. In severe cases or when hearing loss is significant, surgery may be necessary to drain the pus and restore hearing.
Overall, pyolabyrinthitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical intervention to prevent complications and restore auditory and vestibular function.
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Suppurative inflammation of the labyrinth of the ear.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PYOLABYRINTHITIS
Etymology of PYOLABYRINTHITIS
The word "pyolabyrinthitis" is a medical term that combines several roots to describe a specific condition.
Firstly, "pyo-" comes from the Greek word "pyon", meaning "pus". It is often used as a prefix to indicate the presence of pus or a purulent infection.
Next, "labyrinthitis" is derived from the Latin word "labyrinthus", which refers to a maze. In medical terminology, "labyrinth" specifically relates to the inner ear, which is a complex maze-like structure involved in hearing and balance. "Itis" is a suffix meaning inflammation, so "labyrinthitis" denotes inflammation of the inner ear.
Combining these roots, "pyolabyrinthitis" refers to an infection of the inner ear with the presence of pus. This medical term is used to describe a specific type of inflammation within the inner ear.
