If vertigo and sensorineural hearing loss, referred to as labrynthitis (i.e. involving both vestibular and cochlear branches of CN8)
If only vertigo, referred to as vestibular neuronitis (i.e. involving only vestibular branch of CN8)
Symptoms
Often URI sx prior, then abrupt onset vertigo
Acute N, V, and gait problems that can be disabling
Self limited → lasts a few days
Also some unilateral hearing (sensorineural) loss w/labrynthitis
Physical Exam Findings
External canal and TM should be normal (assuming no co-existing conductive loss)
Severe dizziness w/any movement, unstable gait
With labrynthitis: also SN hearing loss; If patient hums, sounds louder in normal ear;
Weber w/512hz tuning fork lateralizes to normal ear, Rinne indicates air conduction better than bone