Definition
Vestibular neuronitis is a disease characterized by the sudden onset of severe vertigo due to inflammation of the vestibular branch of the state-acoustic nerve (VIII cranial nerve).
The etiology is not clear, but a viral origin is suspected. In fact, vestibular neuronitis usually appears in the absence of pathologies that allow to establish the exact cause. At the moment, the most accepted hypothesis is that it may depend on a herpetic reactivation.
Vestibular neuronitis can occur as a single episode or in the form of several attacks distributed over a period of 12-18 months.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Hearing loss
- Nausea
- Nystagmus
- Loss of balance
- Dizziness
- He retched
Further indications
Vestibular neuronitis causes a severe attack of vertigo with sudden onset, with nausea, vomiting, nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes) and inability to maintain the standing position. Hearing loss is present only in the most severe forms, in which neuritis of the eighth cranial nerve takes over.
Symptoms persist for 7-10 days, then regress spontaneously in a gradual manner. After the episode, some patients report residual balance disorders, mainly related to rapid movements of the head.
The diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis is made by audiological evaluation, electronistagmography with caloric test and magnetic resonance of the brain with gadolinium.
The treatment is symptomatic and involves the use of anticholinergics, antiemetics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines and corticosteroids. In the presence of prolonged vomiting, reintegration and maintenance of intravenous fluids and electrolytes may be necessary.
