Neuroradiology

Neuronitis, vestibular

condition characterized by the acute onset of vertigo, nausea and vomiting, in the absence of hearing loss or tinnitus. There is often evidence of a recent or concurrent upper respiratory tract infection. The disease follows a benign course of between two days and six weeks. It often occurs in epidemics. Following the acute attack, mild transitory episodes of dizziness may recur over a period of 12 to 18 months. Clinical and histopathological evidence suggests that it is caused by an isolated lesion of the vestibular nerve, although the exact aetiology remains obscure. Vestibular neuronitis is a relatively common condition in general practice, but has lacked clear definition, partly as a result of confusion over its nomenclature.

Contrary to the other cranial nerve disorders, usually no nerve enhancement is found on MR in vestibular neuronitis.

FS