From Crisis to Compensation - Early Physical Therapy to Address Symptoms Resulting From Vestibular Neuritis in 54-Year-Old Female - A Case Report

Sep 5, 2026

Vestibular neuritis commonly causes unilateral peripheral vestibular dysfunction and is associated with elevated rates of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, yet patients are often managed with medications during the acute crisis rather than physical therapy for persistent symptoms. This case report evaluates a 54-year-old woman referred after acute vestibular neuritis, comparing an early physical therapy intervention to the traditional course of care. Education, canalith repositioning, habituation/compensation, and graded return to daily activities achieved goal attainment and complete symptom resolution within three months.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Objective

Case Presentation

Outcomes

Discussion

Introduction

Vestibular neuritis and associated BPPV

Conventional medication management and recovery

Annals of Clinical Case Reports Clinical Image Published: 04 Sep, 2017 From Crisis to Compensation-Early Physical Therapy to Address Symptoms Resulting From Vestibular Neuritis in 54-Year-Old Female: A Case Report Bhupinder Singh* and Ashley Van Artsdalen Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, USA OPEN ACCESS *Correspondence: Bhupinder Singh, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Fresno 5315 N. Campus Drive M/S PT29 Fresno, Ca 93740- 8019, USA, Tel: (559) 278-4356; Fax: (559) 278-3635; [E-mail: bhsingh@csufresno.edu](E-mail: bhsingh@csufresno.edu) [Received Date](Received Date: 26 May 2017)[:](Received Date: 26 May 2017)[ 26 May 2017](Received Date: 26 May 2017) [Accepted Date](Accepted Date: 02 Sep 2017)[:](Accepted Date: 02 Sep 2017)[ 02 Sep 2017](Accepted Date: 02 Sep 2017) [Published Date](Published Date: 04 Sep 2017)[:](Published Date: 04 Sep 2017)[ 04 Sep 2017](Published Date: 04 Sep 2017)[ ](Published Date: 04 Sep 2017)Citation: Singh B, Van Artsdalen A. From Crisis to Compensation-Early Physical Therapy to Address Symptoms Resulting From Vestibular Neuritis in 54-Year-Old Female: A Case Report. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2017; 2: 1431. ISSN: 2474-1655 Copyright © 2017 Bhupinder Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Abstract Background: Vestibular neuritis typically affects the superior vestibular nerve resulting in unilateral peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction (PVD). It is also linked to an increased rate of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Patients are typically prescribed medications to address the symptoms associated with acute vestibular crisis, but are not referred to physical therapy for treatment of lingering symptoms of PVD after the crisis has passed. Physical therapy has been shown to be safe and effective for reducing symptoms and improving function for patients suffering from chronic PVD, but early intervention has not been studied extensively. Objective: The purpose of this case is contrast the effect of early physical therapy intervention for a patient with symptoms resulting from acute vestibular neuritis with the traditional course of care. Case Presentation: The patient was a 54-year-old female who was referred to physical therapy by an emergency room physician following diagnosis of acute vestibular neuritis. At time of evaluation, she was unable to independently perform many activities of daily living (ADLs) . Examination revealed BPPV, motion sensitivity, and vestibular-ocular reflex dysfunction. Interventions included patient education, canalith repositioning maneuvers, habituation/compensation program, and gradual return to functional activities. Outcomes: At discharge, the patient had achieved all of her goals and reported no symptoms. In addition, the patient demonstrated no limitation with any ADLs. Discussion: The outcomes suggest that, for this patient, the chosen intervention resulted in complete resolution of symptoms. The key to the patient’s rapid success was early intervention and patient education. Due to the patient’s compliance and motivation, she recovered completely in less than three months. Introduction Vestibular neuritis typically affects the superior vestibular nerve resulting in unilateral dysfunction of the utricle and superior and horizontal semi-circular canals [1] . Vestibular neuritis has been linked to increased rates of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), indicating that the dysfunction of the utricle may result in otoconia displacement into the posterior semi-circular canal. BPPV has been reported to occur in 15%-20% of patients post vestibular neuritis versus the 3% prevalence in the general population. Treatment of

FAQs

What was the main objective of this case report?

To compare the effects of early physical therapy intervention for symptoms resulting from acute vestibular neuritis against the traditional course of care.

What interventions were used in the physical therapy plan?

Interventions included patient education, canalith repositioning maneuvers, a habituation/compensation program, and a gradual return to functional activities.

What outcomes were observed by discharge?

The patient achieved all goals, reported no symptoms, and showed no limitations in activities of daily living.

Sep 5, 2026

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