ENT: Vestibular Neuronitis and Labyrinthitis: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Vestibular Neuronitis🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this sudden-onset vertigo condition with no hearing loss – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Vestibular neuronitis is acute inflammation of the vestibular nerve, causing sudden, severe vertigo without hearing loss or tinnitus.📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Most commonly post-viral, often after a URTI• Likely linked to herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation• Other possible causes: idiopathic, autoimmune, or microvascular• No specific risk factors, but recent viral illness increases risk📌 Pathophysiology• Inflammation of the vestibular nerve disrupts signals from the inner ear• Brain receives mismatched input, triggering vertigo• Symptoms result from vestibular imbalance, not cochlear involvement📌 Symptoms• Sudden-onset severe vertigo – lasts days to weeks• Nausea and vomiting• Imbalance, difficulty walking• No hearing loss and no tinnitus – key differentiators from labyrinthitis• Horizontal nystagmus on examination📌 Differential Diagnosis• Labyrinthitis (has hearing loss)• BPPV (brief, positional vertigo)• Meniere’s disease• Vestibular migraine• Central causes: stroke, MS, cerebellar tumour, Wernicke's, CO poisoning• Ramsay Hunt syndrome, TIA, acoustic neuroma📌 Diagnosis• Primarily clinical: history + physical exam• Use the HINTS exam to rule out central causes🧠 Peripheral pattern: abnormal head impulse, unidirectional nystagmus, no skew🚨 Danger signs for stroke: normal head impulse, vertical/bidirectional nystagmus, skew deviation• Consider MRI if red flags or atypical symptoms• Audiometry if hearing loss suspected📌 Management• Symptom relief:Prochlorperazine (IM/oral)Antihistamines: cinnarizine, cyclizine, promethazine🚫 Use only short term – long-term use delays recovery• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises:Promote vestibular compensationEncourage early mobilisation• 🚫 NOT routinely recommended: antivirals, benzodiazepines, corticosteroids• 🚨 Urgent referral if:New hearing lossNeurological signsWorsening symptoms📌 Complications• Falls and injuries due to imbalance• Persistent dizziness (chronic vestibulopathy)• Psychological impacts: anxiety, depression• Reduced quality of life📌 Prognosis• Most cases resolve over weeks to months• Acute symptoms improve within days• Some residual imbalance may persist• Excellent prognosis with early rehab and support📎 More MSRA Resources for Vestibular Neuronitis📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vestibular-neuronitis-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vestibular-neuronitis-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vestibular-neuronitis-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/vestibular-neuronitis-rapid-quiz/🧪 Topic Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/vestibular-neuronitis/🎓 Full Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/ent-for-the-msra/All resources are part of the ENT for the MSRA course on PassTheMSRA.com 🩺👉 Explore full revision guides, quizzes, flashcards, and more at:https://www.passthemsra.comHashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQ&ANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #ENT #VestibularNeuronitis