Inflammation of the LABYRINTH of the EAR. Usually caused by bacterial or viral infection – the former often the result of inadequately treated otitis media (see EAR, DISEASES OF – Diseases of the middle ear), or MEASLES. Symptoms are VERTIGO, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (see EYE, DISORDERS OF), TINNITUS and loss of hearing. Bacterial infection needs treatment with ANTIBIOTICS; viral infection usually gets better without treatment. ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS may help reduce vertigo. Rarely, surgery may be required to drain the infection in bacterial labyrinthitis.