Which feature is associated with Vestibular Neuronitis/Labyrinthitis?

Which feature is associated with Vestibular Neuronitis/Labyrinthitis?

• A. May follow a viral syndrome
• B. Always bilateral
• C. Causes persistent hearing loss
• D. Improves without rehab immediately

Answer: (A)

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are acute vestibular disorders that often arise after a viral illness, reflecting a post-viral inflammatory process affecting parts of the balance system. This recent viral history explains the sudden, severe vertigo with nausea and imbalance that these conditions cause. In vestibular neuritis the hearing is typically normal because the cochlea isn’t involved, whereas labyrinthitis can involve the cochlea and may cause transient hearing changes or tinnitus. They are usually unilateral, not bilateral. Recovery can occur over time with vestibular rehabilitation, so improvement is not guaranteed immediately without such therapy. The link to a preceding viral syndrome is the best-fitting feature.

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are acute vestibular disorders that often arise after a viral illness, reflecting a post-viral inflammatory process affecting parts of the balance system. This recent viral history explains the sudden, severe vertigo with nausea and imbalance that these conditions cause. In vestibular neuritis the hearing is typically normal because the cochlea isn’t involved, whereas labyrinthitis can involve the cochlea and may cause transient hearing changes or tinnitus. They are usually unilateral, not bilateral. Recovery can occur over time with vestibular rehabilitation, so improvement is not guaranteed immediately without such therapy. The link to a preceding viral syndrome is the best-fitting feature.