Vestibular neuronitis Flashcards
What is vestibular neuronitis?
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually due to a viral infection
What is the inner ear comprised of?
Semi-circular canals
Vestibule
Cochlea
What is the action of the semicircular canals?
The semicircular canals detect rotation of the head
What is the vestibular system made up of?
Semicircular canals
Otolith organs
What is the action of the otolith organs?
They detect gravity and linear acceleration
What is the function of the vestibular nerve?
The vestibular nerve transmits signals from the vestibular system to the brain to help with balance
What is the presentation of vestibular neuronitis?
Vertigo
Nausea and vomiting
Balance problems
Unsteady gait
Nystagmus
Positive Romberg’s sign
What investigations may be useful in the diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis?
Audiometry - to differentiate from causes of vertigo that are associated with hearing loss
What is the head impulse test?
The patient sits upright and fixes their gaze on the examiners nose
- The patients head is jerked 10-20 degrees while they continue to look at the examiner’s nose
- The head is slowly moved back to the centre before repeating in the opposite direction
What is a positive head impulse test result?
In a patient with vestibular neuronitis, their eyes will saccade as they fix back on the examiner
What is the management of vestibular neuronitis?
Prochlorperazine
Antihistamines (cyclizine, cinnarizine, promethazine)
- Symptomatic treatment can be used for up to 3 days
What is the treatment of chronic vestibular neuronitis?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
