Vestibular neuronitis, or neuritis, is an infection of the vestibular nerve in the inner ear. It causes the vestibular nerve to become inflamed, disrupting your sense of balance.

The term labyrinthitis is often used to describe the same condition. However, people with labyrinthitis usually experience hearing loss as well as balance problems and dizziness.

In most cases, the symptoms of vestibular neuronitis pass within a few weeks. Treatment usually involves a combination of bed rest and medication at the start, followed by a gradual return to activity.

The vestibular nerve usually becomes inflamed because of a viral infection, which may have started with a sore throat, cold or flu.