Have you ever had a cold or flu and then, days later, felt like the room was spinning—even when you were sitting still? You’re not alone. One of the more common causes of sudden, intense dizziness is something called vestibular neuritis, and it’s often linked to a virus that affects the inner ear.
At North 49, we regularly help people recover from vestibular neuritis and other causes of dizziness. If you’re feeling off balance, unsteady, or still dizzy weeks after an infection, there’s a good chance we can help you feel more like yourself again.
What Is Vestibular Neuritis?
Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear condition that causes sudden, severe vertigo, the kind that makes it feel like the world is spinning around you. It often comes with nausea, trouble walking, and even rapid eye movements (called nystagmus) that you might not notice but a trained professional will.
The dizziness usually starts suddenly and can last for days, with lingering balance issues that can hang around for weeks or longer.
What Causes It?
A leading theory is that vestibular neuritis is triggered by a virus, most often the same one that causes cold sores—herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).
After the virus first infects you, maybe even decades ago, it can go quiet and hide in your nerves. Then, during times of stress, fatigue, or illness, it can “wake up” and cause inflammation in the inner ear. That inflammation throws off your balance system, leading to vertigo and dizziness.
The Good News: It Gets Better
Most people recover well from vestibular neuritis. But here’s the catch, rest alone often isn’t enough.
Your brain has to re-learn how to balance using your eyes, body, and the healthy parts of your inner ear. This process is called central compensation, and while it happens naturally for some, most need a little help, especially if they’re older or less active.
Click HERE to find out 5 things to know about your recovery.
How North 49 Can Help
At North 49, we specialize in vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a form of physical therapy that targets your inner ear and balance system.
One of the key tools we use is gaze stabilization exercises, which help retrain your brain to keep your vision steady while you move your head. These simple, targeted exercises can speed up your recovery and help you:
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Feel less dizzy during daily activities
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Improve your balance and confidence
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Get back to work, hobbies, and life faster
Don’t Wait It Out—Take Action
If you’re still feeling dizzy after a cold, flu, or ear infection, or if your balance hasn’t felt quite right since, you don’t need to tough it out. The sooner you get started with vestibular rehab, the better your recovery.
Contact North 49 today to book an assessment. Let’s work together to get your world steady again.
Vestibular Neuritis References
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Strupp M, Brandt T. Vestibular neuritis. Semin Neurol. 2009;29(5):509–519.
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Furman JM, Cass SP. Vestibular disorders: a case-study approach. Oxford University Press; 2003.
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Baloh RW. Clinical practice. Vestibular neuritis. N Engl J Med. 2003;348(11):1027–1032.