Some facts...

The confusion between Vestibular Neuritis and BPPV is one of the topics that recurs most in the community. Both conditions cause dizziness but they are completely different in mechanism, timing, treatment, and recovery duration. Here is a summary that can help explain...

1. How does it feel?

• Vestibular Neuritis (AUVP): Continuous vertigo (hours-days), feeling the room spinning non-stop, difficulty walking, severe nausea. Not related to position.

• BPPV: Very short vertigo (10-30 seconds). Occurs ONLY when changing position (lying down, turning over, looking up). Recurrent attacks for days-weeks.

2. What is the mechanism?

• Neuritis / AUVP: Inflammation/temporary damage to the vestibular nerve.

• BPPV: Crystals (otoconia) that fell into one of the inner ear canals.

3. Treatment

• Neuritis / AUVP: Steroids (in certain cases), Vestibular Rehabilitation (VRT) - most important, short-term medication for relief. NO antivirals.

• BPPV: Immediate treatment: Epley/Semont maneuver. In most cases, no need for medication. Vestibular rehabilitation is sometimes required in prolonged cases.

4. Recovery Time

• AUVP: Weeks to months, depending on the brain's ability to compensate.

• BPPV: Sometimes disappears within minutes after a correct maneuver.

(The information in this post is a summary of scientific literature only and does not constitute a diagnosis or medical recommendation. In any case of dizziness, consult a specialist.