Please note: Our Online Booking tool is currently down, please contact us on 0161 883 0077 to arrange your appointment and we will honour any online booking discount.

  • Home
  • About us
  • We work with
  • Services
  • Treatments
  • Appointments
  • What we treat
  • Book Now
  • Clinics
  • Contact
Vestibular neuronitis is a condition which affects the vestibular nerve causing problems with dizziness and balance. It can be very debilitating and affect all areas of daily function or be a mild sense of disequilibrium that will not go away. Vestibular physiotherapy is extremely effective for the treatment of vestibular neuronitis.





Vestibular physiotherapy - passive resetting exercisesAbove: Vestibular physiotherapy - passive resetting exercises



What is Vestibular Neuronitis



Vestibular neuronitis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve and its surrounding structures thought to be caused by a viral infection.

The vestibular nerve is the link between the inner ear which receives balance information and the brain which processes this information. The brain then provides an appropriate response via the nerve back to the body to keep it balanced and vision clear during movement. When the nerve is not functioning correctly this process is lost and vestibular symptoms appear.


What are the symptoms of Vestibular Neuronitis



The symptoms of vestibular neuronitis can be very acute and severe initially. As the body learns to compensate for the reduction in nerve function the symptoms can become more manageable but the time scale for this is from weeks to many months. The symptoms can include:
  • Vertigo
  • Imbalance
  • Visual disturbance
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Sensitivity to busy places
  • Hearing Loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Inability to cope with normal activities
  • Fuzz feeling in the head
  • Pressure in the ears
  • Anxiety or panic attacks



Vestibular physiotherapy - passive resetting exercisesAbove: Vestibular physiotherapy - passive resetting exercises




While there are common themes with the symptoms of vestibular neuronitis each patient will have different sensations and describe the symptoms differently so do not worry if you not fit perfectly into the categories above.


How is Vestibular Neuronitis diagnosed



Vestibular neuronitis can be diagnosed by your GP, a specialist ENT consultant or a vestibular physiotherapist. A history of your symptoms, their onset, your general health and numerous other questions will be asked. From this a vestibular examination should be completed which may include:
  • Eye examination
  • Balance tests
  • Positional testing
  • Gait examination
  • Visual accuracy tests
Following the full vestibular assessment a diagnosis of vestibular neuronitis can be provided however occasionally further investigations maybe required and may include:
  • Ear examination
  • Audiology
  • Caloric
  • Videonystagmograrphy
  • Rotatory chair test
  • Computerized dynamic posturograpthy
These tests are not essential but add to the clinical picture when diagnosing vestibular neuronitis.


What treatment can Manchester Physio offer for Vestibular Neuronitis



Manchester Physio can offer treatment of vestibular neuronitis following a vestibular assessment. The treatment consists of:
  • Gaining a full understanding of the condition
  • Symptoms management strategies
  • Pacing advice
  • Gaze stability exercises
  • Balance exercises
  • Gait drills
  • Goal orientated task practice related to the individual
Symptom management strategies

In the early stages of vestibular rehabilitation the symptoms remain so it is very useful to have coping strategies to deal with them. Being able to reduce and control dizziness is important and will help to move you forward onto the more challenging exercises.

Gaze stability exercises

Gaze stability works on developing the ability of the body to keep clear vision while moving the head. Exercises of increasing difficulty will be provided to do this which involves starring at a letter while moving the head. This improves the reflexes of the eyes making them work harder to keep your vision stable.

Balance exercises

Balance exercises strengthen the bodies balance reactions and provide a good strong input to the vestibular system telling the body when it is stable and how to respond correctly if you are going to fall. Working on these will help the vestibular system a whole to become stronger meaning you are less likely to have symptoms.

It normally takes a combination of different treatment elements at different times to get results when treating vestibular neuronitis. This is where the support of your physiotherapist helps. While it can take many months to see improvements you will not have to attend regularly during this time as a plan of exercises will be provided.


Benefits of Vestibular Physiotherapy for Vestibular Neuronitis



Vestibular neuronitis benefits from vestibular physiotherapy in the following ways:
  • Increased ability to cope with symptoms until they resolve
  • Reduced fatigue
  • Reduced vertigo and dizziness
  • Improved balance
  • Increased ability to do day to day activities and return to normal life

Call 0161 880 3377 today to make your Vestibular Physiotherapy appointment.




share this page...
Call us on: 0161 883 0077
Phone: 0161 883 0077
Email us on: office@manchesterphysio.co.uk
Contact us by post: Our addresses
 
Get treated today!

We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.

Find out more »

We are open...

Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 7am - 9pm
Saturday: 8am - 4pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm

 
Find your nearest clinic

Physio.co.uk have clinics located throughout the North West.

Find out more »

search icon
© manchesterphysio.co.uk
Created by Physio123

Back to top
f