What is it?

Vestibular Neuritis is a viral infection of the vestibular nerve which travels from the inner ear to the brainstem and functions to transmit information regarding balance and head movement. When the nerve is inflamed it disrupts the flow of information to the brain from the inner ear.

Symptoms

Vestibular Neuritis usually causes a sudden onset of room spinning sensation (vertigo), dizziness, nausea, vomiting and a sense of unsteadiness when walking. Symptoms usually peak within a few days and gradually improve but can be made worse with sudden head movement.

Treatment

A vestibular Physiotherapist can usually diagnose Vestibular Neuritis with specific bedside testing in clinic and design an individualised, evidence-based vestibular rehabilitation plan to improve symptoms through gaze stabilisation and balance exercises.