Vestibular Neuritis Treatment in Calgary
Caring, Individualized Vestibular Physiotherapy at Home
What is Vestibular Neuritis?
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common inner ear condition that causes brief episodes of dizziness or spinning when you change head position, such as lying down or turning in bed.
Common symptoms of Vestibular Neuritis
Sudden, intense vertigo (spinning sensation)
Severe dizziness lasting hours to days
Nausea and vomiting
Difficulty walking or standing steadily
Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
What causes Vestibular Neuritis?
Vestibular neuritis is most commonly caused by a viral infection, often following a cold or flu. The virus triggers inflammation of the vestibular nerve, disrupting balance signals between the inner ear and brain. In most cases, the exact virus is not identified.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on symptoms and physical examination. I will assess eye movements, balance, and neurological signs to rule out other causes such as stroke or inner ear disorders.
Treatment focuses on reducing symptoms and restoring balance function. Short-term medications may be helpful to decrease inflammation and symptom intensity. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy then help the brain adapt and compensate for the affected nerve.
Treatment for Vestibular Neuritis
Recovery time for Vestibular Neuritis
Most people improve significantly within a few days to weeks, but full recovery of balance can take several weeks to a few months. Vestibular rehabilitation can accelerate restoration of balance and function.
When to seek help
You should seek medical attention if you experience sudden severe dizziness, trouble walking, persistent vomiting, or symptoms that do not improve over a few days. It’s also important to seek medical help urgently if dizziness is accompanied by neurological symptoms like weakness, speech difficulty, or severe headache.
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Vestibular neuritis usually does not cause permanent damage in the sense of ongoing nerve injury, but it can leave some people with lingering imbalance or mild dizziness. This happens because the inner ear balance system may not fully recover on its own, and the brain needs time to compensate for the change in signals. With vestibular rehabilitation therapy, most people improve significantly as the brain adapts and balance function is restored.
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Vestibular physiotherapy helps the brain compensate for vestibular neuritis, reducing dizziness, improving balance, and restoring daily function. Research shows guided rehab—especially when started early—speeds recovery and lessens long-term symptoms like imbalance and motion sensitivity.
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Yes, symptoms of vestibular neuritis can sometimes return in the form of mild dizziness or imbalance, especially during periods of fatigue, illness, or stress on the balance system. However, a full repeat of the original condition is uncommon. Most people continue to improve over time, and vestibular physiotherapy can help the brain maintain compensation and reduce the chance of ongoing or recurring symptoms.