Labyrinthine concussion: diagnosis and management

Since the 20th century, the term “labyrinthine concussion” or “inner ear concussion” has been used to describe sensorineural hearing loss following head trauma in the absence of temporal bone fracture and is generally defined as head trauma resulting in sensorineural hearing loss without evidence of fracture involving the labyrinth. Although poorly reported in the medical literature, it does not seem to be a rare complication of head trauma, occurring in as many as 58% of patients. This chapter will provide an overview of the diagnosis and management of labyrinthine concussion.