Balance organ inflammation

What is it?

Inflammation of the balance organ (neuronitis vestibularis) causes either part of or the entire balance organ to break down. The inflammation is usually caused by a viral infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of balance organ inflammation are very acute, severe spinning dizziness, accompanied at times by nausea and vomiting.

Severe dizziness (vertigo) lasta for a few days, after which the situation slows improves. The slightest head movement can aggravate the dizziness. What's more, other hearing problems or neurological symptoms do not tend to be present.

Treatment

Bed rest is recommended for the first few days, together with treatment for nausea. If the nausea increases, try to move as much as possible to feel better faster. Your physician may also prescribe you rehabilitation exercises to do at home for the balance organ. After recovery, you may not drive a vehicle since you might continue to feel dizzy with rapid head movements.

Latest publication date: 13/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Vermeiren Judith