Infectious Otitis Interna

**Semantic type:** Disease or Syndrome

**Definition:** Inflammation of the anatomical structures of the inner ear secondary to an infectious process. Symptoms include severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and pain. Viral etiology is most common, and recent history of an upper respiratory infection is common. In rare cases an infection of the middle ear can spread to the inner ear, resulting in a bacterial or fungal etiology.

**Synonyms:** - Inner Ear Infection - Internal Ear Infection