Peripheral vertigo due to vestibular neuritis

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Vestibular neuritis is an acute inflammation of the eighth cranial nerve, probably due to a viral infection. It manifests with an intense attack of vertigo that appears suddenly and is associated with nausea and vomiting but with no auditory or neurological symptoms. Diagnosis is clinical, as there is no specific test. Symptoms last for 1 or 2 days approximately and subside progressively. The symptoms will be treated.
Bibliographic references
  1. Joseph M Furman. Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. UpToDate. Sep 2013
  2. Baloh RW. Clinical practice. Vestibular neuritis. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1027.
  3. Hotson JR. Acute vestibular syndrome. N Engl J Med 1998; 339:680.
  4. Kattah JC. HINTS to diagnose stroke in the acute vestibular syndrome: three-step bedside oculomotor examination more sensitive than early MRI diffusion-weighted imaging. Stroke 2009; 40:3504.
  5. Mark F. Walker. Mareo y vértigo. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Cap 28
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Spinning sensation


    Involuntary, repeated eye movement


    Vomiting


    Difficulty standing up due to unsteadiness


    Excessive sweating

Symptoms to watch out for

Hearing loss
Accompanied by falls, blows to the head or fractures

Self-care

Sit down immediately when you feel dizzy.
Use good lighting at home.
Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
Use antiemetics if vomiting occurs.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of oral corticosteroids.