How can I effectively counsel patients on the expected duration and recovery process associated with labyrinthitis?

Counseling patients on labyrinthitis duration and recovery:

• Reassure patients that symptoms typically settle over several weeks, even without treatment, due to central vestibular compensation improving symptoms.
• Explain that recovery can be fluctuating, with possible periods of symptom worsening, and factors like alcohol, tiredness, or intercurrent illness may worsen balance.
• Advise that bed rest may be necessary during severe acute symptoms but encourage resuming activity as soon as possible to promote faster vestibular compensation.
• Warn patients not to drive while dizzy or if they might experience vertigo episodes, in line with DVLA guidance.
• Discuss safety at home and work, including fall risk and workplace hazards related to vertigo.
• Inform that short-term symptomatic drug treatment (2–3 days) may be used to relieve severe nausea or vertigo but prolonged use may delay recovery.
• Advise patients to return if symptoms deteriorate or do not improve after 1 week, as persistent symptoms may require referral to a balance specialist or further investigation.
• Explain that mild unsteadiness can last for weeks after acute symptoms resolve.

Providing written information from reliable sources such as NHS leaflets on vestibular neuronitis is recommended to support understanding.

This approach helps set realistic expectations and supports safe recovery.

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