What is vestibular neuronitis?
Vestibular neuronitis, or vestibular neuritis, is an inner ear condition that can cause severe vertigo, nausea, and balance problems. The symptoms come on suddenly and may last days or weeks.
The condition occurs when the vestibulocochlear nerve in your inner ear becomes inflamed and can’t send information to your brain properly. This nerve inflammation causes symptoms such as vertigo.
Vestibular neuronitis usually affects people in middle age. It’s the third most common cause of peripheral (inner ear) vertigo.
The Audiology, Hearing, and Balance experts at Penn Medicine have decades of experience diagnosing and treating balance, dizziness, vertigo, and equilibrium disorders. In collaboration with Otology and Neurotology, we offer a full array of state-of-the-art balance testing to accurately diagnose conditions like vestibular neuronitis. Our otologists understand how frustrating symptoms can be, and we can help you manage them until they go away.
Vestibular neuronitis symptoms
The symptoms of vestibular neuronitis depend on several factors, such as where the nerve damage is, the cause, and your medical history. The most common signs and symptoms of vestibular neuronitis include:
- Balance problems (having trouble balancing or walking straight)
- Nausea
- Vertigo (feeling like you or your environment are spinning)
- Vomiting
Vestibular neuronitis symptoms begin abruptly and peak within the first 24 to 48 hours. After that, they usually subside on their own. However, they may continue for a few days or weeks. Your symptoms may worsen when you move your head, although symptoms aren’t triggered by head movement.
What causes vestibular neuronitis?
Vestibular neuronitis is caused by viral infections that begin either in your inner ear or elsewhere in your body. For example, chickenpox, the flu, or COVID-19 can trigger the condition.
Experts believe that vestibular neuritis usually impacts the vestibular labyrinth. This network of canals in your inner ear helps you maintain balance and sends information to your brain about your head’s position and movement.
Diagnosing vestibular neuronitis
Usually, an otorhinolaryngologist (ENT) diagnoses vestibular neuronitis. They perform a physical exam, take your health history, and ask about your symptoms.
Your doctor may order an MRI to rule out conditions with symptoms similar to vestibular neuronitis, such as migraine headache, stroke, brain tumor, or head injury. Hearing tests, vestibular tests, and other tests to find out where your vestibular nerve is damaged can confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for vestibular neuronitis
Your doctor will likely recommend medications to treat vestibular neuronitis. The medications they prescribe depend on your symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, and inflammation.
Your doctor may also recommend vestibular rehabilitation (physical therapy) if your symptoms last longer than a few weeks. Working with a vestibular physical therapist can help you deal with the symptoms you’re experiencing. They’ll create an exercise program tailored to your needs so you can start feeling better.