Vestibular Neuritis Specialist in London
Vestibular Neuritis Specialist in Harley Street, London
The vestibulocochlear nerve from the inner ear sends positional information to the brain that assists in balance. Vestibular neuritis is a condition that causes the vestibular part of the nerve to become inflamed. When this happens the normal flow of positional information to the brain is disrupted resulting in acute severe vertigo, dizziness, and a general loss of physical stability. A Vestibular Neuritis Specialist in Harley Street, London can help you mitigate the worst symptoms of this disorder and regain control over your body.
The pathology of vestibular neuritis
Vestibular neuritis affects thousands of UK citizens and is the 3rd leading cause of peripheral vertigo. The condition typically progresses from the acute phase to the chronic phase, with each phase manifesting slightly different symptoms. During the acute phase, the person will typically experience some or all of the following:
- Intense dizziness
- Sudden attacks of severe vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- Potentially disabling balance issues
- Motion sensitivity
- Difficulty concentrating
- Nystagmus, (involuntary eye movements)
Once vestibular neuritis progresses to the chronic phase symptoms will typically lessen in severity and include:
- Mild to moderate dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Mild balance issues
- Mild motion sensitivity
- Anxiety
Treatment
Treatment for vestibular neuritis can take various forms. And while there is no single “cure” for the condition, the prognosis for a full recovery is often good. It’s usually a matter of finding the right combination of therapies.
The Vestibular Neuritis Specialist in Harley Street, London uses a variety of methods to mitigate symptoms including medications and exercises. Medications typically include:
- Anti-nausea drugs
- Anti-dizziness drugs
- Anti-inflammatories
Vestibular neuritis exercises are typically recommended if the condition persists for longer than a few weeks. The ultimate goal of physical therapy for vestibular neuritis is to retrain the brain to accept changing environmental conditions in order to fend off physical instability. Treatment of associated conditions such as BPPV or vestibular migraine can help with recovery.
Vestibular Neuritis Specialist in Harley Street, London
If left untreated vestibular neuritis can greatly disrupt a person’s quality of life. A Vestibular Neuritis Specialist in Harley Street, London can help mitigate symptoms of vestibular neuritis so that you can go about your normal routine until the condition clears. To book an appointment at Harley Street AVM call (+44) 020 3480 9630, or write to: info@harleyavm.com.
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Vestibular Neuritis Specialist – FAQs
What is vestibular neuritis?
Vestibular neuritis is a condition caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve located within the inner ear. This nerve plays a major role in controlling balance. As such, when it becomes inflamed, individuals will typically experience a sudden bout of vertigo and dizziness. It is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and difficulty with walking.
What is a vestibular neuritis specialist?
A vestibular neuritis specialist has extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular neuritis and other related vestibular disorders.
What are the symptoms of vestibular neuritis?
Symptoms include a sudden, intense feeling of vertigo or dizziness, a sudden loss of balance, nausea, unsteadiness when walking, and, in some cases, a person may have difficulty focusing their eyes. Because these symptoms are shared by other disorders, it is crucial that you get an expert evaluation by a vestibular neuritis specialist.
How is vestibular neuritis diagnosed?
Because the symptoms of vestibular neuritis can mimic those of other conditions, the vestibular neuritis specialist must be exacting and thorough in their diagnosis. As such, the diagnostic process often includes a review of the patient’s medical history, a physical exam, a careful evaluation of their symptom pattern, a hearing evaluation, balance tests and in some cases an MRI.
What triggers episodes of vestibular neuritis?
Vestibular neuritis can be triggered by viral infection, autoimmune conditions or a lack of adequate blood flow to the vestibular nerve. These viruses are known to inflame the vestibular nerve in the inner ear causing balance symptoms.
How do you diagnose vestibular neuritis?
The main other cause of sudden onset severe vertigo is a stroke affecting the part of the brain known as the cerebellum. As this is a medical emergency, it is important to rule out this condition with specialist medical assessment and scans. The medical consultant will use the HINTS protocol to assess for involuntary eye movements known as nystagmus, the connection between your ears and your eyes and, for any other subtle neurological signs. You are also likely to require a scan of the brain and inner ears. The sooner you are seen, the better the outcomes.
What treatments are available for vestibular neuritis?
Treatment will depend on the type and severity of a person’s symptoms. Certain medications may be prescribed to control dizziness, nausea and inflammation during episodes. Long-term care often includes physical therapy to train the brain to deal with balance issues.
When should I see a vestibular neuritis specialist?
If you experience a sudden, severe case of vertigo that persists for several hours or more and is accompanied by nausea and difficulty maintaining your balance, you should definitely seek the help of a vestibular neuritis specialist at Harley Street AVM.
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Our Associations
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a public body of the Department of Health and Social Care established to regulate and inspect health and social care services in England.
CQC registration is a marker for standards of care. It is a mandatory requirement of all organisations which provide vestibular care or diagnostics.
Harley Street Audiovestibular Clinic is fully registered and compliant with all the stringent CQC requirements, ensuring you care is in the best possible hands.
About Audiovestibular Medicine (AVM)
Vestibular migraines are a particularly vexing condition that can make it difficult for a person to conduct their day-to-day business. Obtaining relief from the most significant symptoms is of paramount importance. For accurate vestibular migraine diagnosis and expert treatment contact Harley Street AVM by calling 020 3480 9630 or writing us at: info@harleyavm.com.
