Vestibular Neuritis
When most people think of vestibular neuritis, they think of the inner ear. However, the vestibular system includes many body parts that work together to provide balance and spatial awareness.
Vestibular neuritis is a condition that affects the vestibular system and can cause loss of balance. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the vestibular system works to understand how vestibular neuritis can cause loss of balance.
Vestibular neuritis is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve sends information from the inner ear to the brain. The exact cause of this inflammation is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a viral infection. The virus damages the nerve and causes inflammation. This inflammation leads to changes in fluid levels in the inner ear which disrupts the ability of the vestibular nerve to send information to the brain accurately. As a result, vestibular neuritis can cause dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and loss of balance.
Treatment for vestibular neuritis focuses on relieving symptoms and helping a person adapt to their new level of function. Balance exercises are also recommended to help a person adapt to their new level of function. In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary.
