Vestibular Paroxysmia Treatment

In many cases, a blood vessel presses against the nerve, interfering with its normal functioning. In other cases, the nerve may be compressed due to inflammation, head trauma or another injury.

The most common symptoms include a sudden sensation of imbalance, a brief episode of vertigo and nausea. In some cases, the person may experience a ringing sensation (tinnitus) in their ears, or their hearing may suddenly change in one ear.

The process of diagnosing vestibular paroxysmia begins with taking a detailed medical history. After that, vestibular function tests are typically conducted. An MRI is often called for to determine whether a blood vessel may be in contact with the vestibular nerve.

There is no set timeline determining the occurrence of VP episodes. Some people may experience occasional episodes, while others may experience multiple episodes in a single day. Episodes often occur without warning. But in some cases, rapid head movements may trigger an episode.

Yes, it is possible to receive effective treatment for vestibular paroxysmia. Many patients respond well to medications intended to calm nerve activity. In severe cases, however, microvascular decompression surgery may be called for.

On its own, vestibular paroxysmia is not considered a life-threatening condition. However, sudden episodes of VP can increase the risk of falls, which could result in serious injury, especially in older patients.

It is unlikely that lifestyle changes alone will cause a reduction in symptoms or in the recurrence of VP episodes. While eating properly, reducing stress and avoiding sudden movements may help, but in most cases, vestibular paroxysmia is managed medically.

Vestibular paroxysmia episodes are, in most cases, only a few seconds long. That’s even shorter than episodes associated with BPPV. Also, whereas BPPV or Meniere’s disease are the result of crystals moving within the ear or fluid imbalances, vestibular paroxysmia is believed to be caused by neurovascular compression of the vestibular nerve.

While most cases of vestibular paroxysmia do affect the vestibular nerve on one side, some patients may experience it in both ears. This typically happens when multiple nerve segments get involved.

Yes, a lack of sleep or stress can heighten nerve sensitivity, potentially making attacks more severe.

Compression causes a brief misfiring of the vestibular nerve, which quickly returns to normal. After some time, pressure builds again and the rapid misfiring and return to normal is repeated. This type of compression is not capable of producing sustained dysfunction of the nerve.

In most cases, no. However, in a small percentage of cases, patients will experience a kind of fluctuating tinnitus during attacks, or even brief changes to the quality of their hearing. It is unlikely, though, that any permanent hearing loss will be experienced.

Not always. Sometimes it can coexist with other vestibular conditions such as BPPV or vestibular migraines, and this can make an accurate diagnosis difficult.

There are medications such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine that can reduce instances of abnormal nerve firing. Specialists will sometimes prescribe these drugs and then gauge the patient’s response. If they suffer fewer attacks as a result of the medication, it is taken as confirmation of the vestibular paroxysmia diagnosis.

While it is not common, there have been cases when the condition has resolved itself. Exactly why is not known.