Vestibular Neuritis, also known as Vestibular Neuronitis, occurs when a viral infection triggers inflammation in the vestibular nerve. This nerve is crucial for maintaining balance, and its impairment can result in dizziness and imbalance. Common viral infections, such as a cold, flu, or sore throat, can lead to this inflammation.
Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis share similar characteristics. In Vestibular Neuritis, only the vestibular portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve is inflamed, affecting balance. In contrast, Labyrinthitis affects both parts of the vestibulocochlear nerve, leading to balance and hearing issues.
Cause: Viral infections trigger inflammation of the vestibular nerve, disturbing balance signals to the brain.
Symptoms: The condition causes sudden and intense vertigo, often accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and blurred vision during head movement. Symptoms can last for several days, followed by mild residual imbalance.
Comparison with Labyrinthitis: Vestibular Neuritis affects only balance and does not cause hearing loss. Labyrinthitis involves both balance and hearing nerves and can lead to hearing loss in one ear. Labyrinthitis is a medical emergency that requires early diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent hearing loss.
Diagnosis involves several tests to evaluate the function of the vestibular system:
A normal neurological examination is typical, and over a few days, vestibular symptoms usually subside, reducing sensations of spinning. Neurovegetative symptoms like nausea and vomiting also reduce, although imbalance may persist for some time. If vertigo is accompanied by unusual headaches or neurological symptoms, a brain MRI is recommended to rule out central pathology.
Treatment consists of managing the symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis and initiating vestibular rehabilitation as early as possible.
Managing Symptoms
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation aims to retrain the brain to adapt to changes in balance function, a process known as vestibular compensation. This includes evaluating and targeting specific balance functions:
Based on the evaluation, customized vestibular rehabilitation exercises are recommended to the patient.
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises help the brain adjust to new circumstances and maintain stability despite confusing signals from the dysfunctional balance system. These exercises are tailored to the patient’s condition and progress, performed 2-3 times a day. Specific instructions on how to perform the exercises and home safety tips are provided to prevent falls. In cases where home-based exercises are ineffective, rehabilitation under a therapist’s guidance is necessary.
If you are experiencing sudden vertigo, imbalance, or dizziness, NeuroEquilibrium specialists provide advanced vestibular diagnostics and rehabilitation for faster recovery.
Vestibular Neuritis is a specific type of inner ear disorder that causes vertigo due to inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which controls balance. It often follows viral infections such as a cold, flu, or sore throat.
Accurate diagnosis is essential to rule out central causes such as stroke and to determine the type and extent of nerve involvement.
Specialized vestibular tests used include:
Symptom control focuses on short-term relief of dizziness and nausea.
Steroids can reduce nerve inflammation when started early.
VRT is the mainstay of recovery and should begin as soon as the acute symptoms such as vomiting have subsided. It consists of tailored exercises that train the brain to adjust to changes in balance signals, a process called vestibular compensation.
Benefits of Early VRT:
Virtual Reality (VR)-Based VRT: NeuroEquilibrium’s Virtual Reality modules simulate real-life situations such as walking on uneven ground or balancing on narrow paths. This enhances precision, engagement, and faster functional improvement.
Explore: Virtual Reality Vestibular Rehabilitation
Recovery Phase | Typical Duration | Description |
Acute Phase | 1 to 5 days | Intense spinning and nausea treated with short-term medication |
Subacute Phase | 1 to 3 weeks | Dizziness gradually reduces; start VRT exercises |
Rehabilitation Phase | 3 to 8 weeks | Regain full balance and mobility |
Chronic Cases | Up to 3 months | Continued VRT and regular follow-up to prevent persistent imbalance |
Consistent participation in VRT sessions ensures better and faster recovery.
Immediate medical care is necessary if you experience:
If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention right away.
NeuroEquilibrium offers expert diagnosis, advanced testing, and vestibular rehabilitation across more than 200 clinics nationwide. Book an Appointment in
Related links: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT), Diagnostics, Medicines Hub
Labyrinthitis
Virtual Reality Vestibular Rehabilitation
Treatment for vestibular neuritis focuses on reducing symptoms and helping the brain regain balance control. In the early phase, rest and short-term medications may be used to control severe dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. As symptoms settle, vestibular rehabilitation therapy plays a key role in recovery by retraining the brain to compensate for inner ear imbalance and restore stable movement and coordination.
The intense spinning sensation from vestibular neuritis usually improves within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, mild imbalance or motion sensitivity may persist for several weeks or months. Recovery speed varies depending on age, overall health, and early rehabilitation. Clinics such as Neuroequillibrium focus on structured balance assessments and therapy to support faster and more complete recovery.
Medications for vestibular neuritis are mainly used in the acute stage to control symptoms. These may include anti-vertigo drugs, anti-nausea medications, and sometimes short courses of steroids to reduce nerve inflammation. Such medicines are typically prescribed for brief periods, as long-term use can slow natural balance recovery. Rehabilitation exercises are essential once severe symptoms reduce.
Vestibular neuritis is not the same as vertigo, although vertigo is one of its main symptoms. Vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning or dizziness, while vestibular neuritis is a specific condition caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve. Other conditions can also cause vertigo, so accurate diagnosis is important for choosing the right treatment approach.
Vestibular neuritis is most commonly triggered by a viral infection, often following a cold, flu, or upper respiratory illness. The virus can cause inflammation of the vestibular nerve, disrupting balance signals to the brain. Stress, fatigue, and weakened immunity may increase susceptibility. Specialized centers like Neuroequillibrium help identify the exact cause and guide targeted recovery plans.
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