Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Journal of Modern Rehabilitation
2538-385X
0
-
2026
04
28
Pathophysiology and Inflammatory Pathway in Vestibular Neuritis
1474
1474
Mohammad
Fayaz
Otorhinolaryngology in the Medicaid Faculty of Alberoni University, Kapisa Province, Afghanistan AND Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Samer
Alsaad
Basra Teaching Hospital, Audio vestibular Department, Basra, Iraq
Ahmad
Rasouli
Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2025
11
23
2026
02
14
Introduction: Vestibular neuritis (VN) causes acute vertigo from sudden unilateral vestibular dysfunction, mainly in adults aged 30–60. Previous reviews have focused on clinical and therapeutic aspects, but the inflammatory and immune mechanisms are less well understood. This review summarizes recent evidence on viral, immune, and vascular pathways in VN.
Method: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Forty articles published between 2001 and 2025 were included, focusing on pathophysiology, immune pathways, and therapeutic approaches implications.
Results: VN is primarily caused by HSV-1 reactivation, leading to vestibular nerve inflammation. Other viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2 and Epstein–Barr, are also involved. Immune dysregulation, characterized by alterations in leukocytes and cytokines, drives neuroinflammation. Vascular issues, especially blood-labyrinth barrier disruption, worsen swelling. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation; vestibular rehab aids recovery. Combining treatments improves early outcomes.
Conclusion: VN is a complex disorder caused by viral reactivation, immune inflammation, and vascular issues. Recovery primarily depends on central compensation, rather than peripheral nerve regeneration. Combining anti-inflammatory treatment with early rehab yields the best results. Future research should investigate the molecular connections between viral infection, immune response, and vestibular damage to develop targeted therapies.
https://jmr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jmr/article/view/1474
icant role in enhancing communication skills, speech and language development, and related abilities.This review is limited by its narrative design and the heterogeneity of existing studies; future research should employ standardized, longitudinal methodologies to clarify causal mechanisms.
https://jmr.tums.ac.ir/index.php/jmr/article/view/1458