What is a key finding associated with acute labyrinthitis?

Acute labyrinthitis is characterized by inflammation of the inner ear structures, particularly the labyrinth, which includes both the cochlea and the vestibular system. One of the hallmark findings of this condition is peripheral nystagmus, a type of involuntary eye movement that often follows the direction of the affected side. This is due to the disruption in the signals sent from the inner ear to the brain regarding balance and spatial orientation.

When the labyrinth is inflamed, it can lead to discrepancies in how the body perceives motion and position. This mismatch triggers the vestibular system's response, which can result in nystagmus. The presence of peripheral nystagmus often indicates involvement of the vestibular pathways and helps in differentiating labyrinthitis from central causes of vertigo, where central nystagmus may present differently.

The other options may not be as characteristic of acute labyrinthitis. Increased intracranial pressure, for example, might accompany various neurological conditions but is not specifically tied to labyrinthitis. Bilateral hearing loss could imply a systemic issue or a different underlying mechanism than what typically occurs in acute labyrinthitis, which often affects one side, leading to unilateral symptoms. Lastly, severe vertigo can occur with nausea and is common in labyrinth