Ellie Hartwell Physio
Vestibular physiotherapy at home
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis in Brighton
Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis usually start with a sudden, severe bout of vertigo. Most people recover over the following weeks, but some are left dizzy and unsteady for much longer. That's where vestibular rehab comes in.
A sudden start
Severe vertigo that came on over hours, often after a cold or virus.
Unsteady weeks later
Still wobbly walking, especially in the dark or on uneven ground.
Blurring when you move
The world seems to jump when you turn your head or walk.
Hearing changes
With labyrinthitis, some hearing loss or ringing in the ear.
What it is
Inflammation in the inner ear
Vestibular neuritis is inflammation of the balance nerve, and labyrinthitis affects the inner ear itself, so it can affect hearing too. Both often follow a virus.
The first few days are usually the worst: strong vertigo, sickness and difficulty standing. Recovery depends on your brain learning to work with a balance system that may not be quite the same as before.
How I help
Helping your brain compensate
If dizziness or unsteadiness hangs on after the first few weeks, it's often because the brain hasn't fully adapted. Gaze stabilisation and balance exercises give it the practice it needs.
I also check for other causes, because not every case of 'labyrinthitis' turns out to be labyrinthitis.
In a patient's words
I'd been told it was an ear infection and to wait it out. Ellie thought something else was going on, checked, and she was right. It finally made sense.
D. M.
Brighton, Google review
Questions about labyrinthitis
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Most people improve over a few weeks. If you're still dizzy or unsteady after that, it's worth an assessment.
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Sometimes. Dizziness gets labelled as an inner ear infection when it's actually something like BPPV. The assessment checks for that.
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Sometimes. If dizziness comes on suddenly together with weakness or numbness, slurred speech, a drooping face, double vision or a sudden severe headache, call 999 straight away.
Talk it through first
The first phone call is free. Tell me what's been happening and I'll tell you whether vestibular rehab is likely to help, before you book anything.