Treatment consists of managing the symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis and initiating vestibular rehabilitation as early as possible.

Managing Symptoms

•  Medication: Oral drugs are prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. In cases of severe nausea, IV fluids may be administered to prevent dehydration.
•  Vestibular Suppressants: These medications help control vertigo and dizziness but should not be used for more than three days to avoid delayed or incomplete recovery.
•  Steroids: Used within the first five days of infection onset to reduce nerve swelling and inflammation.

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:

•  Vestibulospinal System: Assesses balance maintenance during standing and walking.
• Vestibular Ocular System: Evaluates vision stabilization at rest and during head movement.
• Posture and Center of Gravity Control

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.

Vestibular Neuritis

If you are experiencing sudden vertigo, imbalance, or dizziness, NeuroEquilibrium specialists provide advanced vestibular diagnostics and rehabilitation for faster recovery.

• Vestibular Neuritis is a viral inflammation of the balance nerve known as the vestibular nerve.
• It causes sudden, severe vertigo, nausea, and imbalance, while hearing usually remains unaffected.
• Early corticosteroid treatment within 24 to 72 hours may improve recovery.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) helps restore balance and reduce dizziness faster.
• Most patients recover within weeks when treatment and rehabilitation begin early.

Overview of Vestibular Neuritis

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.

Treatment 

1. Diagnosis 

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:

• Video Head Impulse Test (vHIT): Detects semicircular canal function and vestibular reflex deficits.
• Videonystagmography (VNG): Differentiates between inner ear and brain-related balance disorders.
• Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): Identifies specific patterns of nerve dysfunction.
• Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV): Measures how the vestibular system influences perception of vertical alignment.
• MRI (if indicated): Performed when neurological symptoms suggest central nervous system involvement.

2. Acute Care 

Symptom control focuses on short-term relief of dizziness and nausea.

• Medication: Antiemetics and vestibular suppressants may be prescribed for the first 24 to 72 hours to manage intense spinning and vomiting.
• Caution: Prolonged use of these medicines should be avoided as they may delay the natural recovery process.
• Hydration: IV fluids may be necessary if vomiting leads to dehydration.

3. Steroid Therapy 

Steroids can reduce nerve inflammation when started early.

• Early steroid use within 24 to 72 hours of symptom onset may help improve balance nerve recovery.
• Treatment is short-term and prescribed only after a medical evaluation of benefits and risks.
• Self-medication should be avoided.

4. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) 

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:

• Reduces residual dizziness sooner.
• Improves balance and eye stability.
• Prevents chronic dizziness such as PPPD.
• Builds confidence in movement and mobility.

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

5. Follow-Up and Recovery Timeline 

Consistent participation in VRT sessions ensures better and faster recovery.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Immediate medical care is necessary if you experience:

• Dizziness with slurred speech, double vision, or facial weakness
• Severe headache or fainting
• Sudden hearing loss with vertigo, which could indicate Labyrinthitis
• Inability to stand or walk due to loss of balance

If any of these symptoms occur, seek emergency medical attention right away.

Get Help at Neuroequilibrium

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

Related Conditions and Treatments

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Ménière’s Disease
• Vestibular Migraine

Labyrinthitis
Virtual Reality Vestibular Rehabilitation