Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the inner ear and vestibular nerve that causes severe dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues. It is often caused by a viral infection like herpes or influenza. Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and vision or balance problems. Treatment may include chiropractic maneuvers, acupuncture, or medication. The condition varies in duration but can last up to several months.

1. VESTIBULAR NEURITIS
BY ALEXANDRA PITILLI

2. WHAT IS VESTIBULAR NEURITIS?
Vestibular Neuritis is inflammation of
the inner ear which also affects the vestibular
nerve. So it is more than just an ear infection.
because it involves nerve damage as well. This results
in severe dizziness, vertigo, and balance issues.

3. CAUSES
• Vestibular Neuritis is
mainly caused from a
viral infection. This can
include: herpes, (cold
sores), influenza, or
autoimmune diseases
(Hain, 2012).

4. SYMPTOMS
• Severe dizziness
• Loss of hearing – not in every case
• Vertigo
• Nausea
• Balance issues
• Vision issues

5. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• There are two things that can happen when Vestibular Neuritis is present within the body.
• 1) Neuritis, which is inflammation of the nerve, will affect the part of the brain that is
associated with balance, which results in dizziness but no loss in hearing.
• 2) Labyrinthitis, which is inflammation of the labyrinth infecting both branches pf the veto-
cochlear nerve resulting in dizziness, vertigo, AND hearing loss.
• The viral infection of the inner ear that result in VN can be from a viral illness such as mono,
measles, herpes, influenza, mumps, polio, hepatitis, or Epstein-Barr. (VDA). There are some
dietary concerns regarding Vestibular Neuritis. The inner ear is covered by fluid-filled hearing
and balance structures. This fluid that surrounds the sensory cells and the inner ear contain
specific concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride and other important electrolytes. When
a disease, infection, or injury occurs, there may be fluctuations and changes in this fluid. This
fluctuations can cause VN, Meniere’s disease, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Managing your
diet will help to regulate any fluctuations in this fluid balance. This includes; distributing fluid
and food intake throughout the day, avoiding drinks high in sugar and salt, drink a lot of water
throughout the day, avoiding caffeine, and limiting alcohol consumption. (VDA)
General course and duration of VN is different for everyone. It can last as little as three weeks
or can go up to several months before the virus goes away and the dizziness stops.
(Denner,2014).

6. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• This is a
great
description
for anyone
who is
suffering
from chronic
severe
dizziness.
This chart
explain the
different
symptoms
and
diagnosis of

8. TREATMENT
• There are many different ways to treat Vestibular Neuritis.
• 1) with frequent chiropractic treatments from a Neurological
Chiropractor. In these treatments, the doctor will perform
certain maneuvers and adjustments such as the Epley
Maneuver.
• 2) Acupuncture to treat dizziness and nausea.
• 3) Certain medications such as Antivert, Ativan, or Valium.

9. REFERENCES
• Greco, A. (2013). Is vestibular Neuritis an immune related vestibular
neuropathy inducing vertigo. Journal of Immunology Research. 2014 (8).
• Hain, T.C (2012). Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis. Vestibular Disorders
Associations. Retrieved from:http://vestibular.org/labyrinthitis-and-
vestibular-neuritis
• Pitilli, T. Personal Communication on July 17, 2017
• Strauch, I. (2017). What is vestibular neuritis. Everyday
Health. Retreived from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/vestibular-
neuritis/guide/
• Vestibular, Balance, Vertigo, and Dizziness Rehabilitation. (2017). Shelborne
Physiotherapy. Retrieved
from:http://www.physiotherapyvictoria.ca/vestibular/
• Watad, W. (Image). Retrieved from:http://slideplayer.com/slide/5698745/