- Vestibular Neuritis is a neurological condition resulting from an inflammation of vestibular branch of the 8th cranial nerve, which is responsible for carrying the signals of the balance organs of the inner ear. It is one of the most common causes of vestibular disorders and can result in mild to severe symptoms which greatly affect the regular activities in daily living.
Our vestibular systems help us to sense motion and position which allows us to react to these sensations through reflexes in our trunk, legs, arms and eyes. It is made up of the vestibular organ in our inner ear (the sensor), brain (the processor) and vestibular nerve (link between the ear and brain).
2. Risk Factors for Vestibular Neuritis
- Usually affects either gender, between the ages of 30-60 with most between 40-50.
- 30% have common colds just prior to their dizziness symptoms.
3. Symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis generally involves and acute phase and a post-acute (chronic) phase. The initial phase lasts between 2 days to 1 week, and the post-acute phase can last weeks, months, or result in long- term symptoms.
4. Stages of Vestibular Neuritis
INITIAL (ACUTE) PHASE
- Typically a sudden onset of rotational vertigo
- Nausea, vomiting
- Significant imbalance and difficulty walking
- Visual issues with focusing, and tracking of objects
- Severe motion sensitivity
POST-ACUTE PHASE
- General dizziness and light-headedness
- Milder nausea
- Imbalance and difficulty walking in busy environments
- Motion sensitivity with quick head movements
- Visual issues with tracking of objects, screens, busy visual environments
- Ear fullness in some cases
- Anxiety
*Symptoms can vary greatly between individuals. This is due to the variety of different causes, the potential for different parts of the nerve affected, and pre-existing conditions or a history of previous dizziness.
5. Management of Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular rehabilitation programs are usually comprised of the following:
- Habituation exercises. These include repetitive movements that will progressively provoke your symptoms and improve your tolerance to these movements.
- Adaptation exercises. This includes exercises that co-ordinate both head and eye movement in order for your nervous system to adapt to the input coming from both vestibular systems.
- Gait and balance exercises. These exercises will address any balance challenges during walking and other activities.
At Your Physio, our team of therapists can help to prescribe a vestibular rehabilitation program specific to your needs. We aim to manage your symptoms, guide you through specific exercises to challenge your vestibular systems, and ultimately get you back to doing what you love.
Prepared By
Gan Yee Jie
Your Physio Petaling Jaya