
What nerve is responsible for sensory information?
What nerves are involved in movement?
What nerve connects the inner ear to the brain?
What is the function of the vestibular nerve?
How do vestibular hairs work?
Which division conveys information from the saccule and the posterior semicircular canal?
Where is the saccule located?
See 4 more
About this website

What is the main function of the vestibular nerve?
The vestibulocochlear nerve or auditory vestibular nerve, also known as the eighth cranial nerve, cranial nerve VIII, or simply CN VIII, is a cranial nerve that transmits sound and equilibrium (balance) information from the inner ear to the brain.
What happens when the vestibular nerve is damaged?
The vestibular nerve communicates messages about head position and motion from your inner ear to your brain. When this nerve is damaged, these messages become jumbled and inaccurate, confusing your brain and producing the dizziness, nausea and movement issues.
What is the likely symptom of a damaged vestibular nerve?
This is called your vestibular system. If a disease or injury damages this system, you can have a vestibular disorder. Dizziness and trouble with your balance are the most common symptoms, but you also can have problems with your hearing and vision.
What are 2 symptoms of vestibular problems?
The symptoms of a vestibular balance disorder include:Dizziness.Feeling off-balance.Feeling as if you are floating or as if the world is spinning.Blurred vision.Disorientation.Falling or stumbling.
Can vestibular nerve repair itself?
The body has limited ability to repair damage to the vestibular organs, although the body can often recover from vestibular injury by having the part of the brain that controls balance recalibrate itself to compensate.
What would problems with the vestibular system cause?
The symptoms of a vestibular balance disorder include: Dizziness. Feeling off-balance. Feeling as if you are floating or as if the world is spinning.
How do they fix vestibular nerves?
Managing symptoms. To reduce dizziness, drugs such as meclizine (Antivert®), diazepam (valium), compazine and lorazepam (Ativan®) are prescribed. The different types of drugs used to reduce dizziness are group together and called by the general name, vestibular suppressants.
How do you calm down a vestibular nerve?
In a sitting position, bend your head down to look at the floor then up to look at the ceiling.Lead your head with your eyes focusing on the floor and the ceiling.Repeat this 10 times. Stop and wait for symptoms to resolve, about 30 seconds.Repeat entire process 2 more times.
How is vestibular nerve treated?
During the acute stage of vestibular neuritis, a doctor may prescribe: antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or meclizine. antiemetics, such as promethazine or metoclopramide. benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam.
Do vestibular disorders show on MRI?
MRIs Find Abnormalities in Central Vestibular Cortex of Some Patients With Migraine. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of patients with vestibular migraine reveal abnormalities in the central vestibular cortex, according to a study published in Brain and Behavior.
What doctor treats vestibular disorders?
An Audiologist is a highly trained professional whose scope of practice includes identification, assessment and diagnosis of people with hearing and vestibular (balance) disorders.
What is the most common vestibular disorder?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is considered the most common peripheral vestibular disorder, affecting 64 of every 100,000 Americans.
Is vestibular nerve damage permanent?
Permanent damage to the vestibular system can also occur. Positional dizziness or BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) can also be a secondary type of dizziness that develops from neuritis or labyrinthitis and may recur on its own chronically.
Is vestibular damage reversible?
For most people with a vestibular disorder the deficit is permanent because the amount of restoration of vestibular function is very small. However, after vestibular system damage, people can feel better and function can return through compensation.
How long does it take for a vestibular nerve to heal?
The most severe symptoms of vestibular neuritis — like intense vertigo and dizziness — only last a few days. But for many people, the recovery process is gradual, and it can take about three weeks for the symptoms to fully fade away.
How do you test for vestibular nerve damage?
There most common vestibular tests include :Electronystagmography or Videonystagmography. ... Rotary Chair Test. ... Computerized Dynamic Visual Activity (DVA) ... Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) ... Subjective Visual Vertical. ... Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential (VEMP)
Vestibular symptoms caused by inner ear injury or illness
The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result, and are often associated with one or more of these symptoms, among others:
Vestibular Nerve - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Joseph Jankovic MD, in Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice, 2022. Vestibular Nerve Examination. Often omitted as part of the cranial nerve examination in general neurology texts, important localizing information can be obtained about the functioning of the vestibular nerve at the bedside. A unilateral or bilateral vestibulopathy can be identified using the head-thrust test ...
What is the vestibular system?
The vestibular system is a somatosensory portion of the nervous system that provides us with the awareness of the spatial position of our head and body ( proprioception) and self-motion ( kinesthesia ). It is composed of central and peripheral portions. The peripheral portion of the vestibular system consists ...
What is the vestibular labyrinth?
The vestibular labyrinth is a bony cavity located within the petrous portion of the temporal bone. It consists of the bony framework for the cochlea as well as the three semicircular canals. The bony labyrinth houses the three semicircular canals and the two otolithic organs (the utricle and saccule). Moreover, it contains the cochlea which is a part of the hearing apparatus.
What is the peripheral portion of the vestibular system?
The peripheral portion of the vestibular system consists of the vestibular labyrinth, vestibular ganglion, and vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII). The vestibular labyrinth is comprised of proprioceptive components located in the inner ear ; The semicircular canals, which contain the cells that detect angular acceleration of the head;
What are hair cells?
The hair cells are the motion receptors of the inner ear, embedded within the walls of the semicircular canals and otolithic organs. They are cylindrical in shape and feature many stereocilia on their apical ends. Each cell also has a single kinocilium, which sits on the lateral most end of the apical surface.
Which branch of the vestibular nerve transmits the action potentials of the cristae and macula?
The action potentials from the cristae and maculae are carried by the corresponding branch of the vestibular nerve; Crista ampullaris of the anterior duct transmits signals via the anterior ampullary nerve. Crista ampullaris of the posterior duct transmits signals via the posterior ampullary nerve.
Which layer of the utricle contains calcium carbonate?
The cupula of the utricle and saccule has an additional superficial fibrous layer called the otolithic membrane which contains numerous crystals of calcium carbonate called otoliths or otoconia.
Which duct connects the saccule to the cochlea?
The saccule lies anterior to the utricle and is significantly smaller than it. Besides joining the utriculosaccular duct, the saccule communicates with the cochlea by ductus reuniens.
How to diagnose vestibular neuritis?
In most patients, a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis can be made with an office visit to a vestibular specialist. These specialists include an otologist (ear doctor) or neurotologist (doctor who specializes in the nervous system related to the ear). Referral to an audiologist (hearing and vestibular [balance] clinician) may be made to perform tests to further evaluate hearing and vestibular damage. Tests to help determine if symptoms might be caused by vestibular neuritis include hearing tests, vestibular (balance) tests and a test to determine if a portion of the vestibulocochlear nerve has been damaged. Another specific test, called a head impulse test, examines how difficult it is to maintain focus on objects during rapid head movements. The presence of nystagmus, which is uncontrollable rapid eye movement, is a sign of vestibular neuritis.
What nerve affects balance?
Vestibular neuritis involves swelling of a branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve ( the vestibular portion) that affects balance. Labyrinthitis involves the swelling of both branches of the vestibulocochlear nerve (the vestibular portion and the cochlear portion) that affects balance and hearing. The symptoms of labyrinthitis are ...
What is the name of the nerve that sends balance and head position information from the inner ear to the brain?
Vestibular neuritis is a disorder that affects the nerve of the inner ear called the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve sends balance and head position information from the inner ear to the brain. When this nerve becomes swollen (inflamed), it disrupts the way the information would normally be interpreted by the brain.
What causes a swollen ear?
Researchers think the most likely cause is a viral infection of the inner ear, swelling around the vestibulocochlear nerve (caused by a virus), or a viral infection that has occurred somewhere else in the body. Some examples of viral infections in other areas of the body include herpes virus (causes cold sores, shingles, chickenpox), measles, flu, ...
What is the name of the inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, dizziness, and nausea?
Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear disorder that may cause a person to experience such symptoms as sudden, severe vertigo (spinning/swaying sensation), dizziness, balance problems, nausea and vomiting.
How long does labyrinthitis last?
Generally, the most severe symptoms (severe vertigo and dizziness) only last a couple of days, but while present, make it extremely difficult to perform routine activities of daily living.
What are some examples of viral infections?
Some examples of viral infections in other areas of the body include herpes virus (causes cold sores, shingles, chickenpox), measles, flu, mumps, hepatitis and polio. (Genital herpes is not a cause of vestibular neuritis.)
What is the vestibulocochlear nerve?
The vestibulocochlear nerve (sometimes referred to as the auditory nerve) is the eighth of twelve cranial nerves. This group includes all the nerves that emerge from the cranium ...
What nerve causes vertigo?
Problems with the vestibulocochlear nerv e can result in vertigo, vomiting, ringing in the ears, a false sense of motion, motion sickness, or even hearing loss. Last medically reviewed on January 21, 2018.
Where is the ear nerve located?
It is a paired set of nerves (one from each ear) and the nerve is located in the internal auditory canal, a part of the skull’s temporal bone.
Which nerve is responsible for balance and hearing?
The vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for both hearing and balance and brings information from the inner ear to the brain. A human’s sense of equilibrium is determined by this nerve.
Who is a candidate for a vestibular nerve section?
A vestibular nerve section is most appropriate for candidates who are suffering from severe Meniere’s disease and are experiencing recurrent vertigo attacks associated with the condition. This is a last resort treatment option that is performed if you have good hearing in the affected ear but have not experienced symptom relief after aggressive medical management.
What nerve is cut in the cerebellum?
During a vestibular nerve section, your surgeon will cut into the dura mater of the brain and retract the cerebellum to reveal the vestibular nerve . The vestibular nerve fibers are carefully cut while leaving the cochlear fibers intact. Your surgeon will then close the dura mater and incision site.
What is the ICU after a syringe?
Following the surgery, you will be moved to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) directly after the procedure for monitoring. Once you are cleared to move to a regular room, you will remain in the hospital for a few days to recover.
Is vestibular nerve surgery successful?
Although most patients report satisfaction after a vestibular nerve section, some procedures are not successful, and complications may occur.
What is the name of the disorder that affects the inner ear?
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis. Vestibular neuritis is a disorder of the inner ear that affects the vestibular part of the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for equilibrium. When this part of the nerve swells, it interferes with information it would normally send to the brain about balance.
What nerves affect balance?
Conditions of the vestibulocochlear nerve can affect balance and hearing. An otologist or neurotologist commonly work with disorders associated with the vestibulocochlear nerve.
What is the vestibular nerve?
The vestibulocochlear is made up of two nerves—the cochlear nerve, which is responsible for hearing, and the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance. As one of the 12 cranial nerves, it runs between the pons (the middle of the brainstem) and the medulla oblongata (the lower part of the brainstem).
What nerve is responsible for hearing?
The nerve is responsible for equilibrium and hearing. Conditions of the vestibulocochlear nerve include vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and acoustic neuroma .
What is the difference between a keyhole craniotomy and a translabyrinthine?
In a keyhole craniotomy, a surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear in order to access the affected nerve. Translabyrinthine craniotomy is a more invasive surgery that may be chosen for larger tumors and if hearing is already compromised. A surgeon makes an incision in the scalp behind the ear and removes the mastoid bone and a portion ...
What causes dizziness and balance problems?
Some people experience dizziness and balance problems for several months. These disorders may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Diagnosis for vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis can be made by an otologist or a neurotologist. Your doctor may refer you to an audiologist for hearing and balance tests.
What is acoustic neuroma?
Acoustic neuroma is a noncancerous tumor that grows on the vestibulocochlear nerve. Tumors may grow on one or both nerves, with unilateral acoustic neuromas (those affecting one ear) being more common.
How many nuclei are there in the cochlear nerve?
The cochlear nerve has two nuclei, and both are special somatic afferent (SSA) : The posterior (dorsal) cochlear nucleus. The anterior (ventral) cochlear nucleus. These nuclei are the most lateral of all the cranial nuclei. They are located medially to the inferior peduncle of the cerebellum in the lateral angle of the rhomboid fossa.
What are the functions of the vestibular nuclei?
These nuclei belong to the vestibular component of the vestibulocochlear nerve and play a role in the function of balance, spatial orientation and modification of muscle tone. The vestibular nuclei are aligned within the rhomboid fossa in such a way that they form two vertical columns, one medial and one lateral.
What is the origin of the vestibular nerve?
Origin. The vestibulocochlear nerve, or the eighth cranial nerve (CN VIII), is the sensory nerve which consists of two divisions. Each emerge from their respective roots: The vestibular root (gives rise to the vestibular nerve) The cochlear root (gives rise to the cochlear nerve) The roots arise from the vestibular and cochlear nuclei located in ...
What nerves are in Cadaver's photographs?
Cadaver photographs showing facial and vestibulocochlear nerves emerging from pons (A) and entering internal acoustic meatus (B).
What are the stripes of the brain?
The posterior nucleus sends two stripes: the posterior and the intermediate cochlear stripes, whereas the anterior nucleus sends the third, the anterior cochlear stripe. All three of these stripes pass through the reticular formation of the pons, cross to the contralateral side of the brain at the level of the inferior part of the pontine tegmentum, and finally, at the level of the superior olivary nucleus, all three stripes merge to form the lateral lemniscus. Nearly half of the striatal fibers from the posterior and the intermediate cochlear stripes do not participate in the forming of the lateral lemniscus, nor do they cross to the contralateral side. Instead, they synapse with the ipsilateral superior olivary nucleus and join the ipsilateral lateral lemniscus.
Where are the first order neurons located?
The first-order neurons of the acoustic pathway are located within the cochlear spiral ganglion in the inner ear.
Where are the vestibular nuclei located?
They are found within the vestibular area, a space in the lateral corner of the rhomboid fossa of the brainstem. They contain the bodies of the SSA neurons.
What is the condition that causes nausea and difficulty in concentration?
Vestibular neuritis often occurs after or alongside a viral or bacterial infection. It causes vertigo, nausea, and difficulties with vision and concentration. Symptoms of vestibular neuritis are similar to those of more serious conditions, which a doctor will want to rule out.
What is the difference between vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis?
Neuritis refers to inflammation of the nerve. Labyrinthitis refers to inflammation of the labyrinth, a part of the inner ear that helps control hearing and balance. When a person has vestibular neuritis, they will not experience hearing loss.
How long does it take for vestibular neuritis to go away?
Vestibular neuritis symptoms typically go away without treatment within several days, though it may take weeks or months for every symptom to completely disappear. This article provides more information about the symptoms of vestibular neuritis, its causes, and when to see a doctor.
What is the cause of nausea and vertigo?
Vestibular neuritis causes symptoms such as vertigo and nausea. It happens when the vestibular nerve, which sends signals from the ear to the brain, becomes inflamed or irritated. Doctors and researchers believe that vestibular neuritis follows or accompanies a viral or bacterial infection. Experts. Trusted Source.
What is the best treatment for vestibular neuritis?
During the acute stage of vestibular neuritis, a doctor may prescribe: antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or meclizine. antiemetics, such as promethazine or metoclopramide. benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam. These medications may help suppress nausea and dizziness.
What can help with viral infection?
Home care, dietary changes, and medications can help manage symptoms and treat any underlying viral or bacterial infection.
What causes a rash and a fever?
There are many possible causes of vestibular neuritis, including: rubella, a viral infection that can cause a rash, a fever, and body aches. mumps, a viral infection that can cause a fever, headaches, and body aches. measles, a viral infection that can cause a rash, a high fever, and a cough.
What is the condition that affects the nerve that sends sound and balance information from your inner ear to your brain?
Vestibular neuritis: A viral infection somewhere else in your body, such as chickenpoxor measles, can bring on this disorder that affects the nerve that sends sound and balance information from your inner ear to your brain. The most common symptoms are sudden dizziness with nausea, vomiting, and trouble walking.
What is the link between the inner ear and the brain?
A link between your inner ear and your brain helps you keep your balance when you get out of bed or walk over rough ground. This is called your vestibular system.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
Dizzinessand trouble with your balance are the most common symptoms, but you also can have problems with your hearing and vision. Common Vestibular Disorders. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of positional vertigo, a sudden feeling that you’re spinning or swaying.
What is the tear in the middle of the ear called?
Perilymphatic fistula (PLF): This is a tear or defect between your middle ear and fluid-filled inner ear that can make you feel dizzy and may cause some hearing loss. You can be born with PLF, or it can be caused by barotrauma (increased pressure in your ear), a head injury, or heavy lifting.
How to stop ear attack?
In rare cases, people need surgery to relieve their symptoms. Parts of the affected inner ear are cut or removed so they stop sending the wrong balance signals to your brain.
What is the most common cause of positional vertigo?
It happens when tiny calcium crystals in one part of your ear move into an area where they shouldn’t be. This causes your inner ear to tell your brain you’re moving when you’re really not .
How to treat vestibular neuritis?
To treat vestibular neuritis, your doctor may give you medicine to wipe out the virus that’s causing it .
What nerve is responsible for sensory information?
Given its role in processing information about body position, posture, and motion, the vestibular nerve is primarily associated with its sensory function. The saccule, the utricle and semicircular canals that comprise the vestibular apparatus all provide different kinds of information to this nerve. Here’s a quick breakdown:
What nerves are involved in movement?
Since the vestibular nerve processes information about body position and sense of motion, it also helps coordinate some aspects of body movement. Here’s a quick breakdown: 1 Regulating eye movements: The medial nuclei of the vestibular nerve in the pons and medulla of the brainstem connect to nerves regulating eye motion. Information about the position and angle of the head, as well as motion, is used to allow for coordinated eye movements. This way you’re able to keep a steady gaze while your head moves. 2 Maintaining posture: In the brainstem, the vestibular nerve also connects with those regulating back and neck muscles to maintain posture. This system is also involved in quickly processing spatial and body position information to aid in keeping balance and ensuring the body is moving properly in space. 8
What nerve connects the inner ear to the brain?
The vestibular nerve connects a bundle of nerves in the inner ear called the vestibular ganglion to four discrete areas in the brainstem: the superior, lateral, inferior, and medial vestibular nuclei. 1
What is the function of the vestibular nerve?
Function. Associated Conditions. Rehabilitation. The vestibular nerve, located in each inner ear, is essential for regulating balance and sensing motion of the body. This paired nerve is part of the pathway that connects sensory fibers in the vestibular apparatus—three tiny structures called the semicircular canals, ...
How do vestibular hairs work?
Vestibular hairs inside of them are stimulated as the head changes position and the fluid moves in response. 7 This signal is then transmitted to the brainstem along the vestibular nerve.
Which division conveys information from the saccule and the posterior semicircular canal?
Inferior division: Connected to the inferior and medial vestibular nuclei, the inferior division conveys information from the saccule and the posterior semicircular canal.
Where is the saccule located?
Located just behind the semicircular canals in the inner ear, the saccule is a small sac filled with fluid and calcium crystals. It also has vestibular hairs, which are nerve fibers connected to the vestibular nerve.

Who Is A Candidate For A Vestibular Nerve section?
- A vestibular nerve section is most appropriate for candidates who are suffering from severe Meniere’s diseaseand are experiencing recurrent vertigo attacks associated with the condition. This is a last resort treatment option that is performed if you have good hearing in the affected ear but have not experienced symptom relief after aggressive medical management.
Risks Associated with A Vestibular Nerve Section
- A vestibular nerve section is a complex, risky procedure associated with a variety of complications including: 1. Pain 2. Headache 3. Hearing loss 4. Tinnitus 5. Facial nerve injury 6. Leaking spinal fluid 7. Infection 8. Meningitis
What to Expect During A Vestibular Nerve Section
- During a vestibular nerve section, your surgeon will cut into the dura mater of the brain and retract the cerebellum to reveal the vestibular nerve. The vestibular nerve fibers are carefully cut while leaving the cochlear fibers intact. Your surgeon will then close the dura mater and incision site.
Recovery from A Vestibular Nerve Section
- Following the surgery, you will be moved to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) directly after the procedure for monitoring. Once you are cleared to move to a regular room, you will remain in the hospital for a few days to recover. You may experience intense vertigo and loss of balance for a few days after the procedure that requires supportive medical care. Depending on your state, yo…
Results from A Vestibular Nerve Section
- Although most patients report satisfaction after a vestibular nerve section, some procedures are not successful, and complications may occur.