Symptoms of Viral Labyrinthitis (aka. Vestibular Neuritis)
Today I’m going to discuss viral labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis as it is also known. Like other causes of vertigo and dizziness a good understanding of the condition you are suffering from is important both to assist you in recovery and is relieving the anxiety that you naturally feel with a problem such as this.
Viral labyrinthitis is a condition where the inner ear or the nerve running from the ear is inflamed, most commonly due to a viral infection in the chest or stomach. It can also come from a bacterial infection. This is much more rare, but is more serious. Other causes include activities like diving or flying, allergies, stress or reactions to medications.
The most obvious and dramatic symptom is intense vertigo. This is a senation of movement or spinning when you are actually still. Normally the bad vertigo lasts for 1-3 days then gradually eases off anywhere between 1 and 6 weeks later. Some people are left with vertigo and dizziness that may last for years.
You may also experience a symptom called nystagmus, which is repeated uncontrolled eye movements, along with sickness, lightheadness and anxiety.
So do your symptoms match those of vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis? Use our Self-Help Tool to help you find out. If you have already been diagnosed with labyrinthitis, let us know whether your symptoms matched the traditional ones by using the comments section below. Thanks!