Comprehensive Overview of Vestibular Neuritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear disorder affecting balance. It occurs when the vestibular nerve, which carries balance signals from the ear to the brain, becomes inflamed. The inflammation interrupts the flow of information regarding balance and spatial orientation, resulting in dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and poor balance. 

Viral infections, such as common cold or respiratory infections, are among the most common causes. Management includes medication to alleviate symptoms and vestibular rehabilitation exercises to enhance balance and reduce dizziness. Distinguishing vestibular neuritis from other conditions, such as labyrinthitis,s is crucial for proper management. Preventive care, including managing viral infections and practicing balance exercises, helps to reduce the risk of recurrence.

What is Vestibular Neuritis?

Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which prevents balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. Dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance are the symptoms without any impact on hearing. These symptoms may last for hours or days. Medication manages the symptoms, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises are performed to regain equilibrium and improve coordination over time.

Vestibular Neuritis vs. Labyrinthitis

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are inner ear infections caused by viruses. In vestibular neuritis, the vestibular nerve becomes inflamed, causing dizziness and vertigo but no hearing loss. In labyrinthitis, both the vestibular nerve and the cochlea become inflamed, resulting in hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus. Accurate diagnosis helps to differentiate the conditions and ensure proper treatment targeting balance or hearing issues.

Causes of Vestibular Neuritis

It comes about due to viral infections or other causes and disrupts the inner ear signals that reach the brain, thus causing dizziness.

Viral Infections

• Viral infections, like the common cold or flu, can inflame the vestibular nerve, disrupting balance signals and causing dizziness or vertigo.
• Treatment for this is through symptom-managing medications and exercises to restore balance.

Bacterial Infections

• Though rare, bacterial infections can cause vestibular neuritis through ear infections or the spread of bacteria from meningitis.
• Bacterial inflammation disrupts the balance signals responsible for dizziness, vertigo, and sometimes nausea.

Autoimmune Responses

Autoimmune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation of the vestibular nerve, interrupting balance signals and producing dizziness or vertigo. Treating the underlying autoimmune disorder helps reduce inflammation and can restore overall stability and balance in the individual.

Vascular Causes

Vascular causes of vestibular neuritis are caused by reduced blood flow to the inner ear and vestibular nerve, usually associated with diseases such as hypertension or atherosclerosis. Inadequate blood supply can cause inflammation of the nerve, leading to dysfunction of the nerve, dizziness and vertigo.

Stress and Systemic Illness

Systemic illness and stress can impair immunity or exacerbate inflammation, which puts the vestibular nerve at risk for infection. Chronic stress suppresses the body's natural defences, and such conditions make it prone to infections that may inflame the vestibular nerve.

Symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis

Symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and poor balance indicate vestibular neuritis. Identifying these early helps with medication and rehabilitation to improve stability.

Acute Vestibular Neuritis Symptoms

Acute vestibular neuritis usually begins with severe dizziness and vertigo, which sometimes is described as a spinning sensation; nausea is very common as well. It may last for several hours or even up to a few days. Many patients complain that they can't even move without becoming dizzy and unsteady in the acute phase. Patients are often treated with medicines that alleviate dizziness and nausea at this stage.

Chronic Symptoms

Autoimmune diseases and other chronic conditions like vascular problems can also lead to an increased risk of experiencing vestibular neuritis due to the weakening of the immunity system, impaired blood flow, or persistent inflammation, which can increase the susceptibility of the vestibular nerve to some viruses or other triggers that may initiate vestibular neuritis.

Vestibular Neuritis vs. BPPV: Key Symptom Differences

Vestibular neuritis and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, both conditions cause dizziness but have different causes and symptoms. Vestibular neuritis causes persistent dizziness and unstable gait that can last from hours to days, and it is due to inflammation of the vestibular nerve. BPPV triggers brief episodes of vertigo from changes in position that can often be relieved by specific manoeuvres that reset ear crystals.

Diagnosis of Vestibular Neuritis

Doctors diagnose vestibular neuritis by a physical checkup, neurological exam, and balance coordination tests. An MRI may be necessary to rule out other conditions, and audiology tests help identify labyrinthitis if hearing loss is present. Additional tests include head-impulse or positional tests, which assess the movement of the inner ear. With proper diagnosis, symptoms can be reduced,d and recovery can be accelerated through medication, exercises, or therapy.

Treatment Options for Vestibular Neuritis

Management of vestibular neuritis involves medication, vestibular rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, and exercises for ease in symptoms and aiding recovery.

Medications

Medications include dizziness, nausea, and inflammation in vestibular neuritis. Anti-nausea drugs stabilise vertigo, and antihistamines and benzodiazepines relieve dizziness and discomfort. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs. In short-term usage during the acute phase, medications are tapered with an improvement in symptoms; rehabilitation exercises restore the normal balance of the body.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or VRT, is the training given by a physical therapist to improve coordination, balance, and space awareness by retraining the brain. The exercises include head and eye movement, balance drills, and walking practice. Eventually, VRT enables the inner ear changes to adapt within the brain, which eventually subsides dizziness and long-term recovery from balance-related problems. At Phsyiotattva, we offer several options based on your needs and existing medical conditions. To know more, drop us a call today!

Home Care and Lifestyle Adjustments

Home care and lifestyle changes are supportive in the recovery of vestibular neuritis by decreasing symptoms and improving balance. Gentle exercise helps sensitise the brain, while proper meals and sleep help stability. Exercises such as one-legged steps and parallel line movements enhance coordination. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake along with medical treatment and therapy helps in recovery and flare-ups.

Risk Factors for Vestibular Neuritis

Several risk factors contribute to vestibular neuritis. Infections, mainly viral upper respiratory infections, are frequent triggers. Patients with histories of recent viral illnesses such as colds or the flu are more likely at risk. Other risk factors include age because older people may be more susceptible. Other risk factors include predisposed undermined immunity from chronic health conditions, excessive levels of stress, and inner ear problems.

Complications of Vestibular Neuritis

Vestibular neuritis typically resolves with minimal complications, although some individuals may continue to suffer from dizziness, balance, or anxiety. Chronic symptoms can disrupt daily activities and create visual disturbances. Early treatment and rehabilitation minimise complications, facilitating a smoother recovery and more rapid return to normal activities, thus improving overall well-being.

Preventing Recurrences of Vestibular Neuritis

It helps prevent the recurrence of vestibular neuritis by maintaining overall health, managing stress, exercising, eating well, and ensuring regular sleep. Regular treatment and follow-ups tend to decrease the risks.

Reducing Risk Factors

Simple lifestyle changes, like exercise and a healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals, improve immunity and fitness and thus reduce the risks of vestibular neuritis. Stress management through relaxing techniques prevents outbreaks, and hygiene like hand washing helps avoid infections. Abstaining from alcohol and caffeine promotes healthier vestibular functioning and reduces the chances of developing vestibular neuritis.

Importance of Vaccinations and Preventive Measures

Vaccinations can prevent the contraction of viral infections such as influenza, thus lowering the chance for vestibular neuritis to occur. Hygiene, hand washing and avoiding contact with the infected also decrease the possibility of infection. A healthy life supports the immune system, whereas preventive measures ensure the patient's general health condition and decrease the chances of Vestibular Neuritis.

When to See a Doctor for Vestibular Neuritis

You should consult a doctor if you start feeling dizzy, experiencing vertigo frequently, or feeling imbalanced. If the symptoms start interfering with your daily life or worsen over time, you should seek medical attention. Some other warning signs that require a doctor's consultation include severe nausea and vomiting or having a fever accompanied by dizziness, which could be symptoms of a more serious condition. The sooner the time to seek medical attention, the quicker the recovery and the prevention of complications.

Preventing and Managing Vestibular Neuritis with Physiotattva

At Physiotattva, we make every effort to help you cope and prevent vestibular neuritis with specifically designed treatment plans. We have an experienced team with a comprehensive assessment that helps us understand the specific needs of the client. Our vestibular rehabilitation therapy is focused on the improvement of balance and dizziness. We use individually designed exercises to support and encourage you to achieve balance and confidence in daily life activities. Don't let vestibular neuritis get the best of you; take the first step toward better balance and health today. 

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQ

Can vestibular neuritis be cured?

Vestibular neuritis often resolves on its own, but a complete "cure" depends on individual recovery. While symptoms may improve over time, some people experience lingering effects. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and rehabilitation to regain balance and stability.

What treatments are available for vestibular neuritis?

Treatments for vestibular neuritis typically include medications to relieve dizziness and nausea. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is common, helping improve balance and coordination. Lifestyle adjustments, such as stress management and regular exercise, also play a role in recovery and symptom management.

What should I do if my symptoms persist?

If symptoms persist, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. They may suggest additional treatments, such as physical therapy or specific exercises to improve balance. Keeping track of symptoms and any triggers can also help guide effective management strategies.

What tests can help diagnose vestibular neuritis?

Diagnosing vestibular neuritis involves a combination of tests. A doctor may perform a neurological exam to assess balance and coordination. Imaging tests like MRI can rule out other conditions while hearing tests help determine if there’s any impact on hearing.