Cochlear Neuritis
Damage to the cochlear nerve can lead to hearing loss. The cochlear nerve joins with the vestibular nerve to form the Vestibulo-Cochlear nerve. Viral infection or inflammation of the vestibulo-cochlear nerve can lead to symptoms of both hearing loss and vestibular problems, such as dizziness, nausea, blurriness, motion sensitivity, and problems with balance.
Infection treatment to the Vestibulo-Cochlear Nerve is divided into acute and chronic phases. In the acute phase, patients experience a sudden onset of severe symptoms, and treatment is geared towards using medication such as Antivert, Benadryl, or antiviral medications (Acyclovir), etc.
Most people adapt to the imbalance in the vestibular system by developing compensatory strategies. However, if the symptoms of dizziness or unsteadiness persist in the chronic phase, treatment is focused on improving the brain’s ability to compensate for the altered signals coming through the vestibular system. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises help the brain compensate.