Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which carries information about movement and balance from the inner ear to the brain. This can cause symptoms such as dizziness, loss of balance, and vertigo.
This inflammation, also called vestibular neuronitis, can affect people of any age. However, it is rare in children and is mainly caused by viral infections.
Treatment for vestibular neuritis is managed by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or neurologist. It usually involves medications to relieve symptoms or physical therapy.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms of vestibular neuritis are:
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Dizziness
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Severe vertigo
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Nausea or vomiting
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Loss of balance
Symptoms of vestibular neuritis usually appear suddenly and are constant. They develop over several hours, peak within the first 24 to 48 hours, and last a few days before going away on their own.
Symptoms usually get worse with quick head movements, but they are not caused by head movement itself.
Although vestibular neuritis affects a structure located in the ear, it does not affect hearing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), vestibular neuritis causes vertigo without affecting hearing.
Confirming a diagnosis
Vestibular neuritis is diagnosed by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) or neurologist through an evaluation of symptoms, health history, and a physical and neurological exam.
Additional tests are usually not needed. However, the doctor may order an MRI, videonystagmography, or CT scan to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms, such as a stroke.
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The exact cause of vestibular neuritis is not fully known. However, it is believed to happen due to viral infections that cause inflammation and damage to the vestibular part of the eighth cranial nerve, leading to symptoms.
Vestibular neuritis usually develops after an untreated respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, or due to reactivation of the herpes simplex virus, for example.
Treatment options
Treatment for vestibular neuritis should be guided by an otolaryngologist or neurologist. The goal is to relieve symptoms, since the condition may improve on its own within a few days.
Medications for nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide, dimenhydrinate, or meclizine, and/or medications for dizziness or vertigo, such as meclizine or diazepam, may be recommended.
In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to help restore balance and relieve vertigo.