Sudden Unilateral Vestibular Loss

Abstract

Unilateral vestibular hypofunction means asymmetrical vestibular functioning, i.e. the sensory input of one side is diminished with respect to that of the other side. A sudden unilateral loss or impairment of vestibular function causes vertigo, dizziness and impaired postural function. In the cases of vestibular nerve or labyrinth lesion, the key treatment is to cure the infection. Evidence suggests that vestibular neuritis is caused by reactivation of a latent Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection with the vestibular ganglia latently infected with HSV-1. In the case of vascular damage such as in vertebrobasilar insufficiency, the key treatment is restoring the arterial blood supply or venous brainstem drainage. In all the cases, the key impairment is acute vertigo in the first days and, immediately after, postural unsteadiness with instability of the visual field, especially when walking, turning or changing position. The rehab protocol showed into this chapter regards the rehabilitative treatment of patient during the stage of vestibular function sudden loss.