How do vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis differ clinically?

Prepare for the Vestibular System Test with interactive questions and detailed explanations. Boost your understanding of the vestibular system effectively and increase your chances of passing with flying colors!

Multiple Choice

How do vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis differ clinically?

Explanation:
Hearing involvement is what sets them apart. Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, so the vertigo is present but hearing remains normal because the cochlea is not affected. Labyrinthitis involves the inner ear labyrinth, including the cochlea, so the vertigo occurs with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss on the affected side (and may also include tinnitus or aural fullness). Peripheral vestibular signs are common in both, but the key clue is the hearing status: normal hearing with vestibular neuritis, versus vertigo with unilateral SNHL in labyrinthitis.

Hearing involvement is what sets them apart. Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the vestibular nerve, so the vertigo is present but hearing remains normal because the cochlea is not affected. Labyrinthitis involves the inner ear labyrinth, including the cochlea, so the vertigo occurs with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss on the affected side (and may also include tinnitus or aural fullness). Peripheral vestibular signs are common in both, but the key clue is the hearing status: normal hearing with vestibular neuritis, versus vertigo with unilateral SNHL in labyrinthitis.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy