Inner Ear Imbalance and Vestibular Neuritis Symptoms

Inner ear imbalance and vestibular neuritis issues?

Hello Doctor: Since October, I have been experiencing dizziness, mild nausea, and occasional vomiting.
I consulted an otolaryngologist who diagnosed me with inner ear imbalance and advised me to avoid quick head movements.
Throughout November, I have felt unsteady while walking.
In the mornings, I experience less imbalance, but after a couple of hours, I start to feel unsteady again, like leaning forward while sitting and swaying side to side while standing or walking, with a persistent feeling of instability throughout the day.
Resting in a lying position seems to alleviate the imbalance.
Recently, I have also started experiencing tinnitus, which makes it easier for me to fall asleep with some background noise.

1.
I would like to ask if inner ear imbalance can cause intermittent feelings of unsteadiness, or if it typically presents as a continuous sensation of instability like mine, which improves after resting in a lying position? Can inner ear imbalance lead to tinnitus?
2.
In September, I had cold symptoms (persistent sneezing, coughing, and pain in my throat and chest), but I did not see a doctor at that time.
Recently, I researched vestibular neuritis online and found some similarities in symptoms.
I would like to know if the residual imbalance from vestibular neuritis is similar to my continuous feeling of unsteadiness? Can the residual imbalance from vestibular neuritis also cause tinnitus? Thank you, Doctor.

Xiao Wen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/18

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello,
1.
Inner ear imbalance can lead to a transient or persistent sensation of unsteadiness, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus.
However, if the symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to continue seeking medical evaluation from an otolaryngologist and a neurologist.

2.
Vestibular neuritis often presents with intense and persistent dizziness, and may even include nausea and vomiting, which makes its symptoms quite distinct.

Wishing you health and safety,
Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi,
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/11/18

More Info

Inner ear imbalance and vestibular neuritis are conditions that can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Your symptoms of dizziness, nausea, and ear ringing (tinnitus) suggest that you may be experiencing vestibular dysfunction, which can stem from various underlying causes, including vestibular neuritis.

1. Understanding Inner Ear Imbalance: Inner ear imbalance can manifest in several ways. It may present as a persistent feeling of unsteadiness or a sensation of spinning (vertigo). In your case, the fact that you experience a sense of imbalance that improves when lying down suggests that your vestibular system is not functioning optimally. This could be due to a variety of factors, including inflammation or infection of the inner ear structures. The inner ear is responsible for maintaining balance through the vestibular system, and any disruption can lead to the symptoms you are experiencing.
It is also common for inner ear issues to cause tinnitus. The inner ear structures are closely linked, and disturbances in one area can affect others. Therefore, your experience of tinnitus alongside your balance issues is not unusual. Tinnitus can arise from various causes, including damage to the hair cells in the cochlea or changes in the auditory pathways due to inner ear dysfunction.

2. Vestibular Neuritis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can lead to sudden onset of severe vertigo, imbalance, and sometimes nausea. It often follows a viral infection, which aligns with your recent history of cold symptoms. While vestibular neuritis typically causes acute symptoms, some patients may experience lingering effects, such as persistent imbalance or sensitivity to head movements.
The lingering imbalance you describe could indeed be a residual effect of vestibular neuritis. Some individuals may experience chronic vestibular dysfunction after the acute phase has resolved, leading to ongoing balance issues. Tinnitus can also be a symptom associated with vestibular neuritis, as the inner ear structures are interconnected.

In conclusion, your symptoms of imbalance, tinnitus, and the history of a recent upper respiratory infection suggest that you may be dealing with vestibular neuritis or another form of inner ear dysfunction. It is essential to follow up with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation and possibly additional tests, such as vestibular function tests or imaging studies, to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Management of vestibular neuritis typically involves vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which can help improve balance and reduce symptoms over time. Additionally, addressing any underlying issues, such as inflammation or infection, may also be beneficial. If your symptoms persist or worsen, seeking a second opinion or further evaluation from a specialist in otolaryngology or neurology may be warranted.
Remember, while online research can provide useful information, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment tailored to your specific situation.

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