MyMediktor - Peripheral vertigo due to vestibular neuritis

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Acute inflammation of the VIII cranial nerve, usually affecting only one side. It is the second most common cause of vertigo.

It appears to be caused by herpes virus type 1 infection.

It manifests with a sudden attack of vertigo, associated with nausea and vomiting. The vertigo is intense and very disabling.

Diagnosis is clinical by questioning and thorough physical examination. There is no specific test.

Symptoms last about 1 or 2 days and gradually subside. Symptoms are treated with antivertiginous and antiemetic drugs.

Bibliographic references

Joseph M Furman. Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis. UpToDate. Sep 2013
Baloh RW. Clinical practice. Vestibular neuritis. N Engl J Med 2003; 348:1027.
Hotson JR. Acute vestibular syndrome. N Engl J Med 1998; 339:680.
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.
Mark F. Walker. Mareo y vértigo. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Cap 28

Author

Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol

Copyright

Symptoms

Spinning sensation

Involuntary, repeated eye movement

Vomiting

Difficulty standing up due to unsteadiness

Excessive sweating

Hearing loss

If it is accompanied by falls, blows to the head or fractures

Sit down immediately whenever you feel dizzy.

Use good lighting in the home.

Maintain a balanced diet: increase fruit, vegetable, and white meat consumption and reduce the intake of fatty meals and fritters.

Consume antiemetics if vomits are present.

Check with your general practitioner about the prescription for oral corticosteroids.