Vestibular Neuritis - What does science know today, and what really helps?

There is something about the moment dizziness erupts suddenly... The body spins, the floor escapes, the heart pounds and we look for an answer. Is it dangerous? Why is it happening? And what really helps?

What is Vestibular Neuritis actually? According to the current definition by the Bárány Society (2022), it is an acute disorder in the function of the vestibular nerve in one ear. It causes strong and continuous vertigo (at least 24 hours), without hearing loss.

Possible causes: Inflammatory response of the nerve, viral involvement, temporary decrease in blood flow to the nerve.

What is really backed by research?

• VRT – Vestibular Rehabilitation: The treatment with the most evidence. Accelerates recovery, reduces dizziness, improves stability.

• Steroids: Help, especially if started early to improve nerve recovery.

• Antivirals: No proof of efficacy.

• Symptomatic treatment: Helps in the first days only (Stugeron / Bonine etc). But prolonged use may delay brain adaptation.

Coping with vertigo, especially when it comes as a surprise, can be scary in a way that is hard to explain to those who haven't experienced it. But scientific knowledge is advancing, and today there is a much better understanding of what works and mainly what doesn't.