Vestibular neuritis (inner ear inflammation)

Overview

A virus usually inflames the balance nerve, causing sudden severe spinning that lasts days.

Labyrinthitis also affects hearing.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Sudden severe spinning
• Sudden spinning lasting days, often after a cold
• Room-spinning sensation

Less common

• Nausea
• Unsteady walking

Look up a symptom: Nausea

When to get medical care

Causes

Virus.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Diagnosis

Exam.

Treatment

Rest, then move.

Self-care

• Rest the first days
• Start balance exercises

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• There is no known way to prevent it. Early checkups help find it sooner.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults 30 to 60: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most recover.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need balance therapy?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Vestibular neuritis (inner ear inflammation)