SARTHAK HEARING CARE BLOG
Sudden Vertigo After a Cold or Viral Infection: Could It Be Vestibular Neuritis?
Sometimes vertigo starts suddenly after a cold, flu or other viral illness, and this type of balance problem can have a different cause than the more commonly discussed BPPV.
What Vestibular Neuritis Is
Vestibular neuritis involves inflammation affecting the inner ear's balance nerve, often following a viral infection. It can cause sudden, sometimes severe spinning or imbalance that may last for several days.
How It's Different From BPPV
BPPV usually causes short bursts of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, while vestibular neuritis tends to cause more continuous, severe vertigo over days, often alongside or shortly after a cold or viral illness - though only a proper assessment can tell the two apart.
What a Vestibular Assessment Looks At
An assessment typically involves balance testing and a discussion of your recent illness and symptom pattern, which helps identify the likely cause rather than guessing at home.
Recovery and Vestibular Rehabilitation
For many people, symptoms ease gradually over days to weeks, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy can help the brain adjust and support a steadier recovery, guided by an individual assessment.
Book a Vestibular Assessment
If vertigo or dizziness started after a cold or viral illness and isn't settling, contact Sarthak Hearing Care for a vestibular assessment with Dr. Murli Singh or Sarthak Nehra, serving patients from Shahdara, Rishabh Vihar and Gagan Vihar. Call: 9625554548 / 9891242568
RELATED SARTHAK HEARING CARE PAGES
Continue with the most relevant next step.
ANSWERS FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Sudden Vertigo After a Cold or Viral Infection: Could It Be Vestibular Neuritis? FAQs
Is vestibular neuritis the same as BPPV?
No. BPPV is usually triggered by specific head movements and comes in short episodes, while vestibular neuritis tends to cause more continuous vertigo, often following a viral illness. A vestibular assessment can help tell them apart.
How long does vertigo from vestibular neuritis usually last?
It varies, but symptoms often ease over several days to a few weeks as the inner ear and brain adjust. If vertigo persists or keeps recurring, it's worth getting assessed rather than waiting it out.
Can vestibular rehabilitation help with this type of vertigo?
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can support the brain's ability to adjust to inner ear changes and may help recovery feel steadier, though the right approach depends on an individual assessment.