Vestibular Neuritis is a common neurological condition often showing up with symptoms such as vertigo or dizziness. It occurs due to inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for sending information about your balance to the brain. When this gets affected, you may face a lot of issues. To diagnose this condition accurately, the vestibular function test is essential.
The best ENT specialists at Long Life Speciality Clinic give detailed insight into everything related to Vestibular Neuritis.
Symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis usually occurs in two phases: an acute phase and a post-acute (chronic) phase.
Acute Phase:
The acute phase generally lasts from two days to a week and includes symptoms such as:
- Sudden onset of rotational vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- Imbalance and difficulty in walking
- Severe motion sensitivity
Post-Acute Phase:
The post-acute phase may last weeks or even months, and some individuals may experience long-term symptoms, such as:
- General dizziness and light-headedness
- Milder nausea
- Motion sensitivity with quick head movements
- Ear fullness in some cases
What Causes Vestibular Neuritis?
The primary cause of vestibular neuritis is believed to be caused due to a viral infection in the inner ear. Other causes may include blood clots or autoimmune deficiencies. These triggers initiate an inflammatory process that typically damages the vestibular nerve, leading to the severe symptoms experienced during the acute phase.
Diagnosing Vestibular Neuritis
Diagnosing vestibular neuritis is challenging, as no single test can confirm the condition. There are various tests which help in the diagnosis, such as:
- Neurological Tests: These tests assess vestibular function and exclude other neurological causes.
- Balance and Gait Testing: To check if they match the suspected vestibular dysfunction.
- Nystagmus Testing: To identify errors in vestibular eye reflexes common in vestibular neuritis.
- Vestibular Function Test: This test is crucial in assessing vestibular nerve function and aiding in accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options for Vestibular Neuritis
Treatment for vestibular neuritis involves a combination of medication and physical therapy:
- Vestibular Suppressant Medication: Drugs like Serc and Gravol are often prescribed to reduce symptoms in the acute phase.
- Corticosteroid Therapy: Steroid-based medications can reduce inflammation and speed up recovery if consumed during the initial phase.
- Vestibular Physiotherapy: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) focuses on exercises that help the brain compensate for the loss of vestibular function, gradually reducing symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Having a clear idea of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for vestibular neuritis can help manage the condition effectively. Although vestibular function tests are essential for diagnosis, timely treatment through medication and physiotherapy helps to improve recovery results.
If you or someone you know is suffering from this disorder, promptly schedule a consultation with our ENT doctors at Long Life Speciality Clinic and embrace a worry-free life.