Vestibular Neurosis

Vestibular neuronitis, also called vestibular neuritis or vestibular neurosis and sometimes confused with labrythitis, is a condition which result from an inner ear infection, which leaves the most inner area of the ear, the vestibulo-cochlear nerve, inflamed. This nerve connects the inner ear to the brain, and so its inflammation can result in changes in balance.

Neuritis vs Labrythitis

• Vestibular neuritis affects only the vestibular branch of the vestibulo-cochlear nerve, and results in a loss of balance only. In contrast, labrythitis affects both sides of the nerve and can affect both balance and hearing.

Causes

• Generally neuritis is thought to be caused by a viral infection. Bacterial infection may be to blame if infection of the middle ear is also observed.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of neuritis can range from mild to severe and may include dizziness, vertigo or a spinning sensation, nausea, vomiting, imbalance, blurred vision and inability to concentrate.

Diagnosis

• No formalized diagnostic process exists for determining whether or not a patient has vestibular neuritis. According to Dr. Douglas D. Backous, M.D., of the Baylor College of Medicine, after an examination, physicians perform vestibular testing which may include the Doll's eye test, head shaking nystagmus, dynamic visual acuity, caloric testing, rotational testing, past pointing, Romberg and Fukuda tests, and tandem walking.

Treatment

• Doctors will often treat the symptoms of neuritis by prescribing motion sickness suppressants to control nausea and dizziness. Steroids in combination with an antibiotic or antiviral drug will be prescribed to treat the condition itself.