Symptoms

The main symptom of vestibular neuritis is vertigo, a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. Vertigo caused by vestibular neuritis:²

• Begins suddenly, usually without warning.
• Is severe enough that it often causes nausea and sometimes vomiting.
• Is severe for 1 to 2 days.
• Gradually gets better over a period of a few days to weeks.

After the first symptoms of vertigo go away, there may be a period lasting a month or more when any sudden head movement can trigger dizziness and loss of balance.

Vestibular neuritis does not cause hearing loss. But it is similar to a condition called labyrinthitis, which often—but not always—causes temporary or permanent hearing loss or a roaring sound in the ears (tinnitus). The difference between vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis is where the inflammation occurs. Vestibular neuritis affects the vestibular nerve, whereas labyrinthitis affects the inner ear canal. For more information, see the topic Labyrinthitis.