What is Vestibular Neuritis?
Vestibular neuritis is a disorder characterised by inflammation of the vestibular nerve (eighth cranial nerve), which connects the inner ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of signals from the inner ear to the brain, leading to problems with balance and spatial orientation. Vestibular neuritis is typically unilateral, affecting one ear, and can cause sudden and severe symptoms. Depending on severity and treatment, the symptoms can last several days to months for all vestibular symptoms to completely resolve.
Causes of Vestibular Neuritis
The exact cause of vestibular neuritis is often unclear, but it is commonly attributed to viral infections. Viral particles can damage the vestibular nerve, leading to inflammation and disrupting the normal transmission of signals between the inner ear and the brain. Other potential causes or triggers may include bacterial infections, autoimmune reactions, or exposure to toxins.
Symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Oscillopsia(visual blurring or oscillating of objects while the head is in motion)
- Imbalance and Unsteadiness
Treatment of Vestibular Neuritis
Doctors often prescribe medications in the acute stage of vestibular neuritis. Following the acute phase, vestibular rehabilitation is a crucial part of treatment for vestibular neuritis. Vestibular trained physiotherapists prescribe exercise to regain their inner ear function, improve balance, reduce dizziness and motion sensitivity. Physiotherapy treatments can also help patients to build confidence, regain independence and return to normal social activities.
If you would like to understand the cause of and improve your dizziness symptoms and overall function, click here to make an appointment with Physio Vienn.
To make an appointment, call our Claremont physio clinic on (08) 9384 1555 or our Nedlands physio clinic on (08) 6389 2947.
