Virus on the balance nerve (Neuritis vestibularis)

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GET A QUICK DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT FOR DIZZINESS AT THE HOSPITAL!

"Virus on the vestibular nerve" is not actually a virus but a prolonged dizziness condition, typically causing persistent seasick sensations and vomiting for several days in a row, gradually improving over weeks. With a correct diagnosis using advanced equipment (known as VHIT equipment) and a thorough medical examination, more serious conditions can be ruled out with a very high degree of certainty.


Charlottenlund Privathospital uses the latest and best equipment from Interacoustics to provide a correct and fast diagnosis. This is crucial because treatment for vestibular neuritis needs to begin within 48-72 hours, but also because some types of strokes can present symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from vestibular neuritis.



At Charlottenlund Privathospital, we always have emergency appointments available for quick and accurate diagnosis of vestibular neuritis and to rule out other more serious conditions. Therefore, it is important to seek help promptly.

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  • Infects a virus on the balance nerve

    Fortunately, a "virus on the vestibular nerve" is not actually a virus. The condition we refer to in Danish as "virus on the vestibular nerve" is not a virus at all. In English, it is called "vestibular neuritis" – an irritation of the nerve or organ – and this is the term we also use in medical language.


    In other words, there is no basis for believing that the condition is viral or contagious.


    "Virus on the vestibular nerve" is, therefore, an unfortunate term for a dizziness condition that occurs suddenly, causing the patient to experience severe dizziness, nausea, and typically vomiting – just like being seasick. Normally, it resolves on its own, but since the symptoms can also be triggered by a stroke in the brain, cerebellum, or brainstem, it is important to be thoroughly examined as soon as possible.


    At Charlottenlund Privathospital, our specialists have access to advanced VHIT equipment, which, combined with a thorough neurological examination, has been shown through large studies to exclude strokes and brain hemorrhages with greater certainty than both CT and MRI scans combined.

  • How long should I expect it to last?

    Typically, you feel very unwell during the first two days, with most people being virtually bedridden, unable to leave the house due to severe nausea and vomiting. As a result, most patients don't seek medical help until a few days later, as they are simply too ill during the first few days. After this initial period, many experience gradual improvement over the following weeks, but the effects of vestibular neuritis can last for many months. However, many people do fully recover, and prompt intervention with rehabilitation exercises is crucial for a good outcome. Your specialist at Charlottenlund Privathospital will therefore always provide you with exercises to start as part of your recovery.

  • Could there be something else wrong?

    Yes, the symptoms caused by vestibular neuritis can be difficult to distinguish from a stroke in the cerebellum. Although you are typically CT scanned and sometimes also MR scanned in emergency departments, it is only when a specialist in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders examines you with a VHIT (Video Head Impulse Test) system that you can be 100% sure that nothing more serious is going on. Therefore, it is crucial to be examined by a specialist as quickly as possible.


    At Charlottenlund Privathospital, all our specialists are trained in the use of the VHIT system, ensuring you receive a thorough and accurate diagnosis.

Typisk udseende af en VHIT undersøgelse hos patient med virus på balancenerven (højre side)