MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Lula diagnosed with labyrinthitis after feeling unwell: What is it?

Lula spent the day at the Alvorada Palace after cancelling all of his engagements for the day

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was admitted to the Sírio-Libanês Hospital in Brasília on Monday after feeling unwell and cancelling all engagements. The 79-year-old leader underwent a series of tests after which he was diagnosed with labyrinthitis and was released to rest at the presidential Alvorada Palace. This ailment in the hearing apparatus came after an intracranial hemorrhage in late 2024, raising concerns about his potential candidacy in the 2026 elections.

According to a bulletin from the hospital, Lula presented a “picture of vertigo, with a diagnosis of labyrinthitis” and “must remain at rest throughout the day.” In addition, the imaging and blood tests were “all within the normal range.” In December, he underwent emergency surgery in Sao Paulo to drain a hematoma caused by an accident he suffered in October, when he hit the back of his head after falling in the bathroom of his official residence. After that, he resumed his duties, including trips to China, Russia, Vietnam, Japan, and Uruguay.

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth, the inner ear structure responsible for balance and hearing. Often triggered by viral or bacterial infections, it causes sudden and intense symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, loss of balance, ringing in the ears, and in some cases, temporary hearing loss. While not usually life-threatening, it can be severely debilitating for several days and typically requires rest and medical treatment. The abrupt onset and spinning sensation often make it feel like a neurological emergency, leading many to seek urgent care.

At any rate, the new health problem, following larynx cancer in 2011 and a hip operation in 2023, raised doubts about his ability to run for president next year, which he has not ruled out despite his waning popularity amid growing inflation.

According to the Planalto Palace's Secretariat of Social Communication (Secom), the head of the State had a kind of vertigo after lunch, at around 2.40 pm, when Doctor Ana Helena Germoglio suggested he should be taken to a medical facility for testing. At 5 pm, he went to the official presidential residence to rest for the remainder of the day.

“On Monday, May 26, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva presented vertigo, with a diagnosis of labyrinthitis. He underwent imaging and blood tests at the Sírio-Libanês Hospital, Brasília unit, all of which were normal. He is already at the Alvorada Palace, where he should remain at rest throughout the day,” an official statement read.