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Vestibular Neuritis Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is vestibular neuritis?

Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve, which carries balance information from the inner ear to the brain. When one side suddenly stops sending normal signals, the brain interprets the imbalance as violent spinning. If the hearing part of the inner ear is also affected, the condition is called labyrinthitis, and hearing loss is present.

It is one of the most common causes of acute, prolonged vertigo and can be very distressing, particularly for someone who is far from home.

Symptoms

• Sudden onset of intense, constant vertigo lasting from many hours to several days
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe unsteadiness, tending to fall toward the affected side
• Symptoms worsened by head movement
• No hearing loss or tinnitus in pure vestibular neuritis
• Lingering imbalance or motion sensitivity for weeks afterward

Causes

The most widely accepted cause is reactivation of a dormant virus, such as herpes simplex virus, in the vestibular nerve. Many patients report a cold or flu-like illness in the preceding weeks. Reduced blood supply to the inner ear is a less common mechanism.

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim examines your eyes with a Frenzel goggle dizziness test to look for spontaneous horizontal nystagmus beating away from the affected ear, and performs a head impulse test to check the vestibulo-ocular reflex. A hearing test distinguishes vestibular neuritis from labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease and sudden hearing loss. Crucially, he screens for signs of a central cause such as stroke, which can mimic vestibular neuritis; any concerning findings lead to urgent referral for brain imaging.

Treatment options

Acute phase

• Anti-nausea and vestibular suppressant medication for the first few days only
• Hydration; intravenous fluids may be needed if vomiting is severe
• Oral steroids in selected patients when started early, to reduce nerve inflammation

Recovery phase

The brain gradually compensates for the weakened side, a process called vestibular compensation. To support it:

• Stop vestibular suppressants as soon as possible, since prolonged use slows compensation
• Start moving early; walking with support and gentle head movements help
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises, including gaze stabilization and balance training

Most people improve substantially within a few weeks, though some feel residual unsteadiness for longer. Some go on to develop BPPV, which is treated with repositioning.

When to see an ENT

See a doctor promptly for sudden, continuous vertigo. Go to an emergency department immediately if vertigo comes with severe headache, double vision, slurred speech, facial drooping, numbness or weakness, inability to stand or walk even with support, or new hearing loss with neurological symptoms. These can indicate a stroke, which needs urgent care.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, a board-certified otolaryngologist and former Yonsei and Ajou university professor, evaluates balance disorders as part of comprehensive ENT care, alongside his rhinology subspecialty. He explains the recovery plan and exercises in English. The Ear Clinic is near Gangnam-gu Office Station Exit 3-1; check our hours.

Frequently asked questions

How long does vestibular neuritis last?

The severe spinning usually settles within a few days. Imbalance and motion sensitivity can continue for several weeks while the brain compensates. Most patients recover well, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises can speed the process.

Is vestibular neuritis contagious?

No. Although it is thought to be triggered by a virus, the condition affects your own vestibular nerve and is not passed from person to person. The preceding cold or flu, however, may be contagious.

How is vestibular neuritis different from a stroke?

Both can cause sudden vertigo. Stroke often brings additional signs such as double vision, slurred speech, weakness, numbness or inability to walk. A careful eye-movement examination helps differentiate them, and any warning signs require emergency imaging.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.