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Vestibular
neuronitis causes a self-limited episode of vertigo, presumably
due to inflammation of the vestibular division of the 8th cranial
nerve; some vestibular dysfunction may persist.
Although etiology is unclear, a viral cause is suspected.
Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms include a single attack of severe vertigo, with nausea and vomiting and persistent nystagmus toward the affected side, which lasts 7 to 10 days. The nystagmus is unidirectional, horizontal, and spontaneous, with fast-beat oscillations in the direction of the unaffected ear. The absence of concomitant tinnitus or hearing loss is a hallmark of vestibular neuronitis. The condition slowly subsides after this initial episode. Some patients have residual disequilibrium, especially with rapid head movements, probably due to permanent vestibular injury.
Diagnosis
Patients undergo an audiologic assessment, electronystagmography with caloric testing, and gadolinium-enhanced MRI of the head, with attention to the internal auditory canals to exclude other diagnoses, such as cerebellopontine angle tumor, brain stem hemorrhage, or infarction. MRI may show enhancement of the vestibular nerves, consistent with inflammatory neuritis.
Treatment
Symptoms are addressed as in Meniere's disease (see Inner Ear Disorders: Treatment), ie, with anticholinergics, antihistamines or benzodiazepines, and a corticosteroid burst with rapid taper. If vomiting is prolonged, IV fluids and electrolytes may be required. Vestibular rehabilitation (usually given by a physical therapist) helps compensate for any residual vestibular deficit.
Last full review/revision July 2007 by John S. Oghalai, MD
Content last modified July 2007
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